Baked Meatloaf Potato Casserole with Cheddar and Bacon
A hearty comfort food casserole that layers seasoned ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. This satisfying dish combines classic meatloaf flavors with the convenience of a one-pan meal, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The garlic-flavored instant potatoes create a fluffy topping that browns beautifully in the oven, while the Italian breadcrumbs keep the meat layer tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup water
- ½ cup milk
- 1 4-ounce package garlic flavored instant mashed potatoesfresh mashed potatoes2 pounds russetstraditional
Boil, mash with butter and milk
- 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese blend, shredded
- ¼ cup real bacon bitscooked bacon4 strips crumbledfresher
Cook and crumble fresh bacon
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F
- 2
Bring water and milk to a boil in saucepan
- 3
Remove from heat and mix in instant mashed potato powder
- 4
Set potatoes aside
- 5
Combine ground beef, diced onion, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in large bowl
- 6
Mix in bread crumbs and egg until well combined
- 7
Press meat mixture into 8-inch square baking dish
- 8
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over meat
- 9
Top with shredded cheese and sprinkle with bacon bits
- 10
Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes
- 11
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes to brown top
- 12
Let cool for a few minutes before cutting
- 13
Serve warm
Tips
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it hold together when cutting and prevent the layers from sliding apart.
Use extra lean ground beef to prevent excess grease from making the potato layer soggy during baking.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic or herbs like thyme to the meat mixture before pressing into the baking dish.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or cover and reheat in 350°F oven until heated through.
Assemble completely up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time if cold.
Cut into squares and serve hot. Pairs well with green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a simple salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting time to avoid messy, sliding layers when cutting
Press meat mixture firmly into dish to prevent air pockets that cause uneven cooking
Substitutions
Boil, mash with butter and milk
Cook and crumble fresh bacon
FAQ
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking. Baked casserole can be frozen up to 2 months.
What if I don't have an 8-inch square dish?
Use a similar-sized baking dish with about 2-quart capacity. A 9x9 inch pan works well, though the casserole will be slightly thinner.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or covered in 350°F oven until heated through.