The Cozy Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a mouthwatering loaded potato meatloaf sparks joy in every home cook’s kitchen.

Hearty comfort meets clever culinary creativity with this delightful dish.

Potatoes blend seamlessly into classic meatloaf, creating an unexpected twist that surprises hungry diners.

Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and green onions add layers of irresistible flavor to each tender slice.

Weeknight dinners transform from ordinary to extraordinary with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in no time.

Trust me, one bite will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Meatloaf

• Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for the juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf without excessive greasiness.
• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender and moist, which helps maintain a perfect texture during baking.
• Add crispy bacon bits or roasted garlic to the mashed potato filling for extra depth and richness that elevates the classic loaded potato experience.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked ground beef without drying out the meat.
• Brush potato skins with olive oil before restuffing to create a delightfully crispy exterior that adds wonderful texture to the loaded potatoes.

Storing and Reheating Loaded Potato Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf and loaded potatoes in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions of meatloaf and potatoes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Warm slices in microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place in oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
• Microwave loaded potato skins for 1-2 minutes, or bake in oven at 350F (175C) for 10 minutes. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for crispy, melted goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Perfect Flavor Companions

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy potato textures.
• Create Tangy Side Salad: Whip up a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty meatloaf and provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy potatoes.
• Match with Craft Beer: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or stout that enhances the savory meat and brings out the depth of cheese and potato elements.
• Add Fresh Vegetable Garnish: Include roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to introduce a light, nutritious element that brightens the entire meal.

Variations to Try with Loaded Potato Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour, ensuring the meatloaf remains moist and holds together perfectly.
• Low-Carb Potato Swap: Substitute traditional potatoes with cauliflower, roasting and mashing it to create a similar creamy texture while significantly reducing carbohydrate content.
• Turkey Meatloaf Option: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey, maintaining the same seasoning profile and creating a lighter protein option for health-conscious eaters.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Create a plant-based version using lentils, mushrooms, and vegetable protein crumbles as the base, binding with flax eggs and maintaining the original recipe's hearty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just ensure the meat reaches the same internal temperature for food safety.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Adding milk and Worcestershire sauce helps keep the meatloaf moist. Also, let it rest after cooking to retain juices.

• Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Check that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.

• Can I prepare the meatloaf and potatoes in advance?

You can mix the meatloaf ingredients and shape it ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator. Potatoes can be baked and prepared earlier, then reheated before the final cheese-melting step.

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Highlights

• Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that combines the classic meatloaf with creamy, cheesy loaded potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Enjoy an all-in-one meal that's easy to assemble, with straightforward ingredients and minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
• Create a family-friendly dinner that satisfies both meat lovers and potato enthusiasts, with customizable toppings and flavors everyone will adore.
• Impress guests at potlucks, weekend gatherings, or casual dinners with this show-stopping main course that pairs perfectly with a simple side salad.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the meatloaf that provides rich protein content.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist and tender.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatics add depth and savory flavor to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Ketchup, Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile of the meat mixture.

• Potatoes: A classic side dish that adds a comforting and starchy complement to the meatloaf.

• Butter, Sour Cream: These creamy ingredients provide richness and smooth texture to the mashed potatoes.
• Cheddar Cheese, Green Onions: These toppings add sharpness, color, and extra flavor to the loaded potato filling.

How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Step 1: Kickstart the Meatloaf Magic

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently mix everything until it just comes together.

Don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meaty Masterpiece

Mold the mixture into a gorgeous loaf and plop it onto a baking sheet or slip it into a loaf pan.

Send it into the oven for 40-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160F (71C).

Let the meatloaf chill and rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Potato Preparation

While the meatloaf is cooking, give your potatoes some love.

Scrub them clean and poke a few fork holes.

You can bake them in the oven for 45 minutes or zap them in the microwave for 8-10 minutes until they’re tender.

Once cooked, slice them in half and scoop out the soft insides into a bowl.

Step 4: Whip Up the Potato Filling

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Pepper

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake the Loaded Potato Skins

Stuff the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins.

Sprinkle extra cheese on top.

Pop them back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melty, bubbly blanket.

Step 6: Plate and Devour

Slide the meatloaf onto a plate alongside the loaded potato skins.

Garnish with extra green onions or a generous dollop of sour cream.

Dinner is served!

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering loaded potato meatloaf delivers comfort food perfection with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy potato goodness. Hearty dinner favorite promises rich flavors and satisfying texture that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Produce:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Dairy and Topping Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Extra shredded cheese for topping
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine ground beef with aromatics, herbs, breadcrumbs, binding agents, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel. Thoroughly incorporate ingredients without overmixing to maintain tender texture.
2. Mold the meat mixture into a compact loaf configuration, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking at 375F (190C). Transfer to a baking receptacle.
3. Roast the meatloaf for approximately 40-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), verifying doneness with a meat thermometer. Allow a brief resting period to stabilize juices.
4. Simultaneously prepare potatoes by cleansing and puncturing skin. Roast or microwave until fork-tender, approximately 45 minutes in oven or 8-10 minutes in microwave.
5. Excavate potato interiors, creating a hollow shell. Blend scooped potato flesh with creamy dairy elements, shredded cheese, and verdant onion fragments until smooth and luxurious.
6. Repopulate potato skins with the enriched potato mixture, generously crown with additional cheese shreds.
7. Return stuffed potatoes to oven for 5-10 minutes, allowing cheese to transform into a molten, golden blanket.
8. Plate meatloaf alongside decorated potato vessels. Embellish with fresh green onion snippets or a lavish sour cream dollop for enhanced visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier meatloaf version.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can make the meatloaf dry.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for more complex flavor profiles in the loaded potatoes.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the meatloaf’s binding structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg