Loaded Potato Meatloaf

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A meatloaf that eats like a full comfort meal? Yes, please! This Loaded Potato Meatloaf is everything you love about meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cheesy baked dishes all wrapped up in one bite. Imagine tender, juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, layered with creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crisp bacon—then baked until bubbly and golden.

It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table, ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you just need something hearty and satisfying. If you’re someone who always mixes your meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes, this recipe simplifies the whole process and amplifies the flavor tenfold.

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Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Meatloaf

This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf. It’s packed with layers of texture and taste—the cheesy potato topping keeps everything moist and rich, while the meat base holds together beautifully without being dry. Each forkful offers that classic meatloaf essence elevated with a loaded baked potato twist. Plus, it reheats like a dream!

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What Kind of Potatoes Work Best?

For the fluffiest and creamiest topping, russet potatoes are your best bet. Their starchy texture whips into smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that hold their shape and soak up the cheese and bacon beautifully. Yukon golds are also a great option if you want a slightly richer, buttery taste.

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Ingredients for the Loaded Potato Meatloaf

To build the savory base and the indulgent topping, each ingredient in this recipe has its moment to shine:

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, protein-packed base. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and absorb moisture.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Onion and Garlic: Bring aromatic depth and classic comfort flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami punch.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and fluffy, they form the “loaded” topping.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and gives that cheesy pull.
• Bacon Bits: For smoky, crispy crunch.
• Chives or Parsley: A fresh pop to finish it off.

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How To Make the Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Step 1: Mix the Meat Base

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently to combine—don’t overwork it or it’ll be tough.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Potato Topping

While the meatloaf bakes, whip up your mashed potatoes. Use warm, well-seasoned potatoes with butter and a splash of milk until smooth.

Step 4: Load It Up

Remove the partially baked meatloaf and spread the mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits.

Step 5: Finish Baking

Return the loaded loaf to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chives or parsley and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store Loaded Potato Meatloaf

This dish serves 6 hearty portions, perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. For serving, slice with a serrated knife to keep layers intact. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout.

To freeze, wrap individual slices in foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

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What to Serve With Loaded Potato Meatloaf?

Creamy Coleslaw

A crisp and tangy contrast to the warm, rich meatloaf.

Roasted Green Beans

Simple and lightly seasoned veggies balance the meal.

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with buttery, garlicky slices alongside.

Cucumber Dill Salad

Bright and refreshing, this cool salad cuts through the richness.

Corn on the Cob

Add a pop of sweetness and color to your plate.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked in butter add a savory depth.

Baked Apples

Yes—try it. The hint of cinnamon with porky bacon and beef is unexpectedly good.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Comforting Twist?

If you loved this Loaded Potato Meatloaf, you’ll love these other cozy favorites:

• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for a playful, cheesy dinner.
• Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a rich and satisfying bake.
• Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta that’s loaded with flavor.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving a pasta fix.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood twist on indulgence.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go all-in with extra bacon? Or try it with pepper jack for a kick?

I love seeing how others bring their twist to these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s make dinner more delicious together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and hearty dinner recipes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover new dishes your family will ask for again and again!

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