Description
This casserole combines the flavors of classic meatloaf with loaded mashed potatoes and gooey cheese. It’s a baked, family-friendly dish that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer
-
500 g (about 1 lb) ground beef
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 large egg
-
½ cup breadcrumbs
-
1/4 cup milk
-
2 tbsp ketchup
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Layer
-
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
-
1/2 cup milk (or cream)
-
2 tbsp butter
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Topping
-
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
100 g cooked bacon, crumbled
-
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep
-
Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
-
Grease a 9×13–inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.
-
-
Make the Mashed Potatoes
-
Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender (about 12–15 minutes).
-
Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
-
-
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
-
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
-
Stir until just combined — don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
-
-
Assemble the Layers
-
Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
-
Spoon or spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf layer. Try to smooth it out as evenly as possible.
-
-
Add Cheese and Bacon
-
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
-
Then sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top.
-
-
Bake
-
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
-
If you like a crispier top, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely!
-
-
Serve
-
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven — this helps it set.
-
Serve warm, scooping generous portions of meatloaf, mashed potato, cheese, and bacon together.
-
Notes
-
Don’t overmix the meat mixture — it helps keep the meatloaf tender.
-
Use full-fat milk or cream in the mashed potatoes for best flavor.
-
Let the casserole rest after baking so it holds together when scooped.
-
Taste and adjust salt in the mashed potatoes before spreading them.