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Hearty Meatloaf Potato Bake brings together the best parts of traditional meatloaf and stuffed spuds into one amazing meal. This crowd-pleaser stacks flavorful meat with fluffy potatoes, gooey cheese, and crunchy bacon bits to create a dinner that'll make everyone grab seconds.
I first whipped this up during a freezing winter evening, and it quickly turned into the most asked-for comfort meal at my house. My little ones actually jump up and down when they catch a whiff of it cooking.
Key Components
- Ground beef: get the 80/20 mix for juiciness and rich taste
- Russet potatoes: make the smoothest mashed potato topping
- Sharp cheddar: brings a zingy, bold cheese flavor
- Thick-cut bacon: makes that perfect crunchy finishing touch
- Fresh garlic: kicks up both meat and potato flavors
- Worcestershire sauce: gives that deep, 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 golden and bubbling hot.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle with grated cheese and partially cooked bacon chunks. The bacon will get perfectly crispy during baking time.
- Step 3:
- Push meat mix into your baking dish in a flat layer. Cover with mashed potatoes, spreading all the way to the edges to lock in juices.
- Step 2:
- Cook potatoes till soft, then mash them with melted butter and milk until smooth. Don't skimp on salt and pepper - they should taste good alone.
- Step 1:
- Combine beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices lightly with your fingers. Don't squish it too much or your meat will end up tough.
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My granny always added sweet, browned onions between the beef and potatoes. It makes everything taste amazing and keeps everything nice and moist.
Getting The Heat Right
Grab a meat thermometer to check your meatloaf hits 160°F for safe eating.
Do-Ahead Tips
You can put everything together a day early and keep it in the fridge. Just let it warm up a bit before it goes in the oven.
What To Eat With It
Add a fresh green salad or some oven-roasted veggies to balance out the richness.
Enjoying What's Left
Heat up single portions in a frying pan to get the bottom nice and crispy - many folks think it's tastier this way!
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This dish has become my trusty standby for community potlucks and family get-togethers. It blends everyday comfort foods into something extra special that always brings folks running to the dinner table.
FAQ sur la recette
- → Can I prep this earlier?
- Absolutely! You can put it together up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate it.
- → Why combine beef and pork?
- Mixing the two gives the meat better taste and texture—it’s a great balance!
- → Is it okay to use leftover mashed potatoes?
- Definitely, leftovers work perfectly and save you time!
- → When is it finished cooking?
- It’s ready when the cheese bubbles and the meat reaches 165°F, about 35–40 minutes in.
- → Can I freeze it for later?
- Yep, wrap it tightly and freeze it raw for up to three months. Thaw before baking.