Craving comfort food that hits all the right notes—meaty, cheesy, creamy, and just a bit indulgent? This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole takes two beloved favorites—classic meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes—and layers them into one easy-to-make, satisfying bake that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend meal prep, or cozy gatherings.

With a base of savory meatloaf, topped with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkling of bacon bits, this casserole is as hearty as it is irresistible. It’s a one-dish wonder that delivers on flavor and nostalgia, without requiring hours in the kitchen.

🧾 Ingredients – Everything You’ll Need

This dish uses easy-to-find pantry and fridge staples, making it ideal for busy weeknights:

1 lb ground beef, extra lean
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
1 egg
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup milk
1 (4 oz) package garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese blend, shredded
1/4 cup real bacon bits

📝 Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of instant potatoes, you can sub in fresh homemade mashed potatoes—just make sure they’re thick and creamy so the casserole layers nicely.

🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe comes together in under an hour and only dirties a few dishes. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish depending on how thick you like your layers.

2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Follow the instructions on the garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes package using:

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup milk

Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine:

Ground beef
Diced onion
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Seasoned breadcrumbs
Egg

Mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold shape.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased casserole dish to form a solid base layer.

5. Add Cheese and Bacon

Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat layer. Top with:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup real bacon bits

This step turns a traditional meatloaf into a loaded potato dream.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until:

The meat is cooked through
The cheese is melted and bubbly
The edges start to turn golden

🔍 Optional: Broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end for a slightly crispy cheese topping.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and makes serving a breeze.

⏱️ Quick Recipe Recap

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Skill Level: Easy
Dish Type: Casserole / Main Dish

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Casserole

✅ Ultimate comfort food: Beef, potatoes, cheese, and bacon in every bite
✅ One-pan meal: Less cleanup, more flavor
✅ Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients with big results
✅ Family-approved: Kid-friendly flavors and simple to make
✅ Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day

🔁 Variations and Substitutions

Want to make it your own? Try these easy variations:

Meat swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Add veggies: Mix in cooked peas or corn for added color and nutrition
Cheese options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella
Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until hot

🍱 Meal Prep Tip: Portion out individual servings in containers for quick heat-and-eat lunches.

💬 Reader Favorites

“This was such a hit! It tasted like a cheeseburger and mashed potato dinner in one!”
— Angela W.

“I added green onions on top after baking—so good and easy!”
— Trevor L.

“We made it with homemade garlic mashed potatoes and it was amazing.”
— Kristen D.

📌 Final Thoughts – A Comfort Classic with a Twist

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is everything we love about comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and made with love. Whether you’re looking to stretch ground beef into a family-sized meal or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this layered dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

From weeknight dinners to potluck favorites, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Be sure to serve it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.