If you’re craving a dish that brings cozy comfort and bold flavors all in one, you’ve got to try this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy meatloaf infused with savory Parmesan and onions, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon—each bite is pure bliss. It’s the perfect balance of hearty goodness and indulgent toppings, making this recipe a guaranteed hit for family dinners or any time you want a soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe plays a vital role, from the rich beef base to the creamy mashed potato topping. These straightforward ingredients come together in a way that’s incredibly simple yet guarantees layers of flavor and texture that you’ll love.
- Ground beef (2 lbs): Choose a quality beef for juicy, flavorful meatloaf that holds together well.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): They add structure and absorb moisture, keeping the meatloaf tender.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle salty depth that elevates the savory profile.
- Chopped onions (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and a mild crunch inside the loaf.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Brings aromatic warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Acts as a binder making sure your meatloaf stays perfectly shaped.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and tender throughout baking.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Imparts a tangy, umami kick to balance richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Mashed potatoes (1 1/2 cups): Creamy and smooth, they crown the meatloaf with irresistible richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts just right for gooey, flavorful topping.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Brings crispy texture and smoky savor to every bite.
- Chopped chives (1/4 cup): Adds fresh, oniony brightness as a final flourish.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): Sweet, tangy glaze that ties all the elements together beautifully.
How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that once your meatloaf is ready to go in, it cooks evenly and develops that perfect crust on the outside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onions, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything thoroughly but gently—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so just combine until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Then, shape your meat mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. This shape ensures even cooking and the perfect size for serving.
Step 4: Add the Mashed Potato Layer
Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top of your meatloaf. This layer adds a lovely smoothness and a unique take on a classic dish, giving that loaded baked potato vibe.
Step 5: Top With Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the mashed potatoes, then scatter cooked bacon crumbles on top. These toppings meld together during baking to create irresistible, gooey, smoky layers.
Step 6: Drizzle Barbecue Sauce
Pour half of your barbecue sauce over the bacon and cheese. This adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the savory meat and creamy potatoes.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Place your loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe and juicy meatloaf.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute so slices don’t fall apart. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for a bright, colorful finish and offer the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.
How to Serve Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives are a simple garnish that uplifts the dish’s flavor and adds a pop of green, making the loaded potato meatloaf look as good as it tastes. You can also sprinkle a little extra crispy bacon or even a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint.
Side Dishes
Pair your Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe with crisp green beans, sautéed spinach, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For an extra comforting meal, creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables work beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatloaf in individual ramekins topped with mashed potatoes and cheese; these single portions can wow guests at a dinner party. Or slice thick and layer on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato for a hearty meatloaf sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your leftover meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy second helpings or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe foil or place in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices or the whole meatloaf in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave slices on medium power for a minute or two if you’re in a hurry, but baking keeps the texture better.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, but keep in mind these meats are less fatty and can make the meatloaf a bit drier, so adding a bit more milk or a touch of olive oil helps keep it moist.
Can I prepare this meatloaf without mashed potatoes?
You certainly can, but the mashed potatoes are what make this loaded potato meatloaf recipe truly stand out. If you want to skip them, consider topping with extra cheese and bacon for flavor and texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While this recipe’s heart depends on ground beef, you could use lentils or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and grains as a veggie base. Keep the mashed potato, cheese, and bacon toppings, substituting with vegetarian bacon if desired.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This ensures the beef is cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and barbecue sauce don’t contain gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe is truly a comforting crowd-pleaser that deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s a warm hug on a plate, packed with textures and flavors that feel like a special treat every time you make it. So grab those simple ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the delicious magic that happens when creamy mashed potatoes meet classic meatloaf goodness.
Print
Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf is a comforting, hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef with a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce. Baked to perfection, it offers a delicious twist on classic meatloaf, ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature for the meatloaf.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onions, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Shape Meatloaf: On a lined baking sheet, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide for even cooking.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top surface of the meatloaf to create a creamy layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layer of mashed potatoes for a rich, gooey topping.
- Add Bacon: Distribute the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly across the cheese layer, adding a savory crunch.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Drizzle half of the barbecue sauce over the top to infuse the layers with tangy flavor.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring fully cooked meat.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute for better texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with chopped chives and serving with the remaining barbecue sauce alongside.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the mixture bind better.
- For smoother mashed potatoes, warm them slightly before spreading.
- Leftover meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Bacon can be pre-cooked in the oven or stovetop to achieve desired crispiness.
