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Beefy Mashed Potato Meatloaf Bake blends the hearty goodness of traditional meatloaf with loaded spuds in one delicious pan. This crowd-pleasing dish stacks flavorful ground beef with fluffy potato topping, gooey cheese, and crunchy bacon bits - it's the kind of comfort meal that'll make your family beg for more.
I first threw this casserole together during a snowy evening, and it's now what my family asks for most when they want something warm and filling. My little ones actually jump for joy when they catch a whiff of it cooking.
Key Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: make the fluffiest, smoothest mashed layer
- Ground beef: an 80/20 mix gives you the juiciest results
- Thick-cut bacon: makes for the best crunchy garnish
- Sharp cheddar: brings a zippy, rich taste
- Fresh garlic: kicks up both the meat mixture and potato topping
- Worcestershire sauce: adds that can't-quite-place-it savory kick
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 5:
- Bake covered at 375°F for 35 minutes, then take the foil off for the last 15 minutes until everything looks golden and bubbling hot.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle cheese over everything and add the partially cooked bacon on top. The bacon will get perfectly crispy during baking.
- Step 3:
- Pack the meat mix firmly into your baking dish in an even layer. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, making sure they reach all edges to lock in moisture.
- Step 2:
- Cook potatoes until soft enough to pierce easily, then mash them with hot butter and milk until smooth. Don't skimp on salt and pepper - tasty potatoes make all the difference.
- Step 1:
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs and spices with a light touch. Don't squish it too much or your meatloaf will end up tough.
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My grandma always tucked a layer of browned onions between the meat and potatoes. It's a game-changer that adds amazing flavor and keeps everything nice and juicy.
Getting The Heat Right
Always check that the center hits 160°F with a food thermometer to make sure it's safe to eat.
Prep It Early
You can put everything together a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just let it sit on the counter for a bit before popping it in the oven.
What To Eat With It
Throw together a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side to cut through the richness.
Next-Day Tricks
Try warming portions in a hot pan to get the bottom all crispy - many folks think it's even tastier this way!
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This casserole has turned into my signature dish for gatherings and family meals. There's something magical about taking two comfort food staples and turning them into something that brings everyone running to the dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this earlier?
- Absolutely, you can put everything together up to 24 hours before and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- → Why mix beef and pork?
- The two meats together give you richer taste and nicer feel in your mouth than just beef on its own.
- → Can I use yesterday's mashed potatoes?
- For sure, any leftover mashed potatoes will work perfectly in this dish.
- → How can I tell when it's cooked?
- Cook until you see the cheese bubbling and the meat gets to 165°F, usually around 35-40 minutes.
- → Can I store this in the freezer?
- Definitely, just wrap it well and freeze it uncooked for up to 3 months. Let it thaw before you bake it.