Name: The Best Loaded Potato Meatloaf You Will Ever Make
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Loaded Potato Meatloaf because it takes two classic comfort foods and combines them into one incredible dish. The meatloaf itself is incredibly moist and flavorful, and it is topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and green onions. Every single bite is pure comfort, and it is surprisingly easy to put together for a weeknight dinner. This is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (made from about 2 pounds russet potatoes)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, smoked paprika, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can make it tough.

Transfer the meat mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a standard loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf shape that is even in thickness. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. While the meatloaf bakes, prepare your mashed potatoes if you haven’t already. You can use a classic recipe or a quick version, but make sure they are smooth and creamy.

Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf, covering it completely. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon. Return the Loaded Potato Meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with the chopped green onions and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 to 8 generous servings. The total time from start to finish is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with 15 minutes of active prep time and approximately 65 minutes of baking time.

Variations

You can easily customize this Loaded Potato Meatloaf to suit your taste. For a different flavor profile, try using ground turkey or ground pork instead of beef. If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese. For a lower-carb version, replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. If you are short on time, feel free to use store-bought mashed potatoes, but homemade always tastes better.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover Loaded Potato Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier top, reheat the slices in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze the fully cooked and cooled meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes if you are in a hurry. However, I find that homemade mashed potatoes provide a much richer and creamier texture that pairs perfectly with the meatloaf.

Why is my meatloaf dry?

A dry meatloaf is often the result of overmixing the meat or using a very lean cut of ground beef. For this Loaded Potato Meatloaf, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef to ensure it stays moist and tender.

Can I make this Loaded Potato Meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire dish, including the mashed potato topping, and then refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, add about 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.

What is the best way to slice this meatloaf?

For clean slices, let the Loaded Potato Meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. Use a sharp serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion to keep the potato topping intact.

Can I add other toppings?

Certainly. This recipe is very versatile. You can add sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving for extra flavor.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Loaded Potato Meatloaf as much as my family does. It truly is the ultimate comfort food, combining two of my favorite dishes into one satisfying meal. For another delicious twist on a classic, you might also enjoy our Classic Meatloaf recipe. And if you are looking for a perfect side dish, try our Creamy Mashed Potatoes. For more information on the key ingredients, you can read about meatloaf on Wikipedia or learn about the different varieties of potatoes.