Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Take your comfort food game up a notch with this hearty and flavor-packed Loaded Potato Meatloaf! This meatloaf is everything you love about a loaded baked potato—cheddar cheese, mashed potatoes, green onions, and crispy beef—all wrapped up in one deliciously satisfying dish. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or special family meal that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic – Familiar flavors with a creative, indulgent twist.
One-Dish Wonder – Meat, potatoes, and toppings all in one savory loaf.
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy potato topping.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and freeze for a stress-free meal later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped

For the Loaded Potato Topping:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 strips cooked beef bacon, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Additional chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon
• Drizzle of sour cream or ranch

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Skillet (for cooking bacon)
• Potato masher or mixer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat or it can become dense.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf in your prepared pan or free-form on a baking sheet.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Potato Topping
While the meatloaf bakes, prepare mashed potatoes.
Mix with sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and chopped cooked bacon.
Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 35–40 minutes.
Spread the loaded mashed potato mixture evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with a little more cheese and return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and meat is cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with extra green onions, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of sour cream if desired.
Serve with a crisp side salad or steamed green veggies for balance.

Tips for Success
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes – Saves time and makes this recipe even easier.
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Gentle mixing keeps the texture tender.
Let It Rest – Resting before slicing helps juices redistribute and hold shape.
Make it Ahead – Assemble in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Add Veggies – Finely grated carrots or zucchini can be mixed into the meatloaf for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted carrots or brussels sprouts
• A crisp side salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices or the full loaf in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 60–90 seconds until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat slices in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and turkey also works well.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, milk, and sour cream alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

3. Is this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check other ingredient labels.

4. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Just prepare them according to the package instructions and mix in your toppings.

5. Can I make mini meatloaves?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes before topping with potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf is a delicious mashup of two classic comfort foods—meatloaf and loaded baked potatoes. It’s cheesy, hearty, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes that bring it all together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy make-ahead meal, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Make it once, and it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to share your creation and leave a review!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

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