Go Back
To make Loaded Potato Meatloaf, you need the following items: - 1 ½ pounds ground beef - 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes (preferably cooled) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned) - 1 large egg, lightly beaten - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping) These ingredients combine to create a savory, comforting dish that everyone will love. You can change the flavor to fit your taste. Consider adding: - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor - Diced bell peppers for crunch - Other cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh taste Feel free to mix and match these items to make the meatloaf truly yours. To round out your meal, pair the meatloaf with sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some great ideas: - Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch - Mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet balance - A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a tasty, hearty addition These sides not only complement the meatloaf but also add color and nutrition to your plate. Check out the Full Recipe for complete cooking instructions! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for baking. Next, take a big mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, leftover mashed potatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Include the finely chopped green onions, milk, breadcrumbs, and the beaten egg. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to blend everything well. Aim for no streaks of beef in the mix. Once the mix is ready, transfer it into your greased loaf pan. Use your hands to shape the mixture into a neat loaf. Make sure it’s evenly spread in the pan. For the glaze, mix ketchup with a splash of Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. This step is optional but adds great flavor. Spread this mixture on top of the meatloaf to create a tasty glaze. Bake the meatloaf in your preheated oven for about one hour. To check if it's done, insert a meat thermometer into the center. It should read 160°F (70°C) for safe eating. After baking, take the meatloaf out and let it rest for about ten minutes. This step helps the juices stay inside, making slicing easier. For a beautiful finish, serve slices garnished with extra cheese and green onions. Enjoy! To get the best texture in your meatloaf, combine your ingredients gently. Too much mixing makes it dense. Use your hands or a fork to blend the meat, potatoes, and spices just until mixed. This keeps the meatloaf tender. Also, make sure your mashed potatoes are cool before adding them. Hot potatoes can change the texture. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some must-haves for meatloaf: - Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for mixing. - Loaf pan: A standard loaf pan helps shape the meatloaf. - Meat thermometer: This checks the doneness and ensures safety. - Baking sheet: Place the loaf pan on a sheet to catch drips. Using these tools will help you create a perfect Loaded Potato Meatloaf. Here are some mistakes to watch out for: - Overmixing: This leads to a tough meatloaf. - Skipping the rest time: Letting it rest helps keep juices inside. - Not checking the temperature: Always ensure it reaches 160°F (70°C). - Using hot mashed potatoes: Cool them first to keep texture right. Avoiding these mistakes will help you make a flavorful and moist dish every time. For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make this meatloaf vegetarian. Start with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Use chickpeas or black beans for texture. Add your leftover mashed potatoes and cheese for flavor. This gives a savory twist while keeping it filling. Adding herbs and spices can change the taste. Try adding rosemary or thyme for depth. A dash of smoked paprika brings smoky notes. You can mix in chopped bell peppers for a fresh crunch. For toppings, consider using BBQ sauce or a spicy ketchup blend. This adds zing and keeps things exciting. Experiment with different cheeses for fun flavors. Creamy mozzarella or tangy feta can work well. You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Chopped spinach gives color and nutrition. Diced mushrooms add an earthy taste. These tweaks can make your loaded potato meatloaf unique and delicious. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your loaded potato meatloaf, store leftovers properly. Let the meatloaf cool down first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors from other foods in the fridge. Stored this way, your meatloaf lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices of meatloaf in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes. To save your loaded potato meatloaf for later, freezing is a great option. Slice the meatloaf before freezing for easy portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Your meatloaf can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy that comforting taste anytime! Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just cook and mash them first. Make sure they are smooth and creamy. This will help the meatloaf stay moist. Fresh potatoes may add a different texture, but they will still taste good. If you want to keep it simple, leftover mashed potatoes work best. To check if the meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf. It should read 160°F (70°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the meatloaf. The inside should not be pink, and the juices should run clear. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. Both options work well. You can also use ground nuts for a gluten-free choice. Just remember to adjust the amount if needed. Each substitute can change the taste slightly, but they will still hold the meatloaf together. This blog post covered all you need for the perfect Loaded Potato Meatloaf. You learned about key ingredients, tips for cooking, and how to store leftovers. I shared ways to customize the dish and avoid common mistakes. With these steps and ideas, your meatloaf will impress everyone. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sides. Happy cooking!

Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Discover the deliciousness of Loaded Potato Meatloaf featuring juicy ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes! This easy recipe combines savory cheddar cheese, green onions, and a zesty topping for a crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for family dinners, it's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your loved ones with a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 ½ pounds ground beef

1 cup leftover mashed potatoes (preferably cooled)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard loaf pan with cooking spray or oil to ensure easy removal after baking.

    In a generous mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, milk, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.

      Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference, then use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until well incorporated and no streaks of beef remain.

        Carefully transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan, using your hands to shape it into a cohesive loaf form that is evenly distributed.

          In a separate, small bowl, blend the ketchup with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor (this step is optional), then spread the mixture generously over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze.

            Bake the meatloaf in your preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (70°C) confirming that it is fully cooked.

              After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for easier slicing.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the loaded potato meatloaf on a beautiful plate, garnished with additional shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a vibrant touch. Pair it with a side of steamed seasonal vegetables or a fresh garden salad to create a well-rounded and inviting meal.