Description
This Loaded Potato Meatloaf is a comforting and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef with a rich topping of creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s an impressive twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 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
Topping
- 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onions, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Shape Meatloaf: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide to ensure even cooking.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top surface of the shaped meatloaf to create a creamy layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes evenly for a rich, melted topping.
- Sprinkle Bacon: Evenly distribute the cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the cheddar cheese for savory crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle Barbecue Sauce: Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the bacon layer, adding tangy moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the assembled meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Rest Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the chopped chives and serve alongside the remaining barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption of ground beef.
- Mashed potatoes can be homemade or store-bought based on preference.
- For added flavor, you can experiment with different types of barbecue sauces, such as smoky or spicy variants.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing prevents it from falling apart.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
