Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potato Layer:

4-5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, careful not to overmix.
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a flat layer for the meatloaf base.
Bake the Meatloaf Layer:

Place the meatloaf layer in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until it is mostly cooked through.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

While the meatloaf is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well.
Mash the potatoes with sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

Assemble the Casserole:

Once the meatloaf is partially baked, remove it from the oven. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle additional cheese on top, if desired.
Bake the Casserole:

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Tips
For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños to the mashed potatoes or top with hot sauce.
You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
This cozy casserole is perfect for family dinners and is sure to please