Ultimate Comfort Food: Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole
Craving a cozy and hearty meal that will leave you satisfied? Look no further than this delicious Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture into the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Layer the sliced potatoes on top of the meat mixture, overlapping slightly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 40g
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Potato & Meatloaf Casserole. Your taste buds will thank you! #comfortfood #recipes #foodie #dinnertime
Popular Questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
- Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh potatoes?
- Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe for a leaner option.
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
A: Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
A: Instant mashed potatoes can be used as a time-saving alternative, but fresh potatoes will provide better texture.
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover portions in an airtight container for future meals.
Helpful Tips:
- Try adding a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Top the casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Expert Secrets:
- For a juicier meatloaf, add a splash of beef broth to the meat mixture before baking.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use a mandoline slicer to get evenly thin potato slices for layering.
- To prevent the cheese from burning, cover the dish with foil during the initial baking time.
- To save time, use pre-cooked bacon pieces instead of cooking bacon from scratch.