Loaded Potato Meatloaf

$- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 lb (450g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping) To make my Loaded Potato Meatloaf, I use fresh, simple ingredients. Ground beef gives a nice base. I choose russet potatoes for their creamy texture when mashed. Sharp cheddar adds a rich flavor. Sour cream makes the mash smooth. For the extra mix, I add breadcrumbs. They help hold the meatloaf together. Green onions add a nice touch of brightness. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. I always include a beaten egg. It binds all the ingredients well. Then I add seasonings. Worcestershire sauce gives depth. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth. Finally, ketchup on top creates a sweet glaze. You can find the Full Recipe for all the steps I take to create this dish. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Boil and mash the russet potatoes. Start by putting the cubed potatoes in a pot. Add enough water to cover them. Boil the water on medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are soft, about 15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes in a bowl. Mix in sour cream, cheddar cheese, and half the green onions. Set this creamy mixture aside. - Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs and seasonings. In a large bowl, add the ground beef. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. - Mix in minced garlic and beaten egg. Use your hands or a fork to blend everything together. Make sure the mixture is well combined and smooth. - Form the meatloaf layers in a loaf pan. Take half of the meat mixture and press it firmly in the bottom of the loaf pan. - Spread the loaded mashed potato mixture on top of the meat layer. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. - Top with remaining meat mixture and ketchup glaze. Press the rest of the meat mixture over the potatoes. Seal the edges well to keep the filling inside. Generously spread ketchup on top to create a glaze. This process makes your Loaded Potato Meatloaf a hearty and tasty dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy making this meal! Getting the right texture is key for a great meatloaf. The proportions of each ingredient matter a lot. Use equal parts of meat and potatoes for the best mix. When mashing potatoes, ensure they are smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and cheese while mashing for a richer taste. This blend makes the potatoes fluffy and adds moisture. You can switch up the flavor by using different cheeses. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can make it even better. Just chop them finely and mix them into the meat. This adds a nice freshness to each bite. Presentation matters when serving meatloaf. Slice it into thick pieces for a hearty look. Arrange the slices on a nice plate to impress your guests. You can garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or basil. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a splash of color. This makes your dish not just tasty, but also beautiful. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can switch out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner and lower in fat. They still provide great taste and texture. Mix in some veggies like carrots or bell peppers into the meat mixture. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also boost flavor while making it healthier. Try using different cheeses to change the flavor. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. If you want a dairy-free option, vegan cheese works well too. This makes the dish friendly for plant-based diets. Experimenting with cheese can make each meal unique. Get creative with sauces or toppings. You can drizzle barbecue sauce or ranch dressing on top. This adds a fun twist. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños to the meat mixture. They bring heat and flavor. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Each change can lead to a new family favorite! To store your loaded potato meatloaf, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh and moist. Place it in the fridge after it cools. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Before serving leftovers, check for any off smells or changes in texture. To freeze meatloaf, let it cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can also slice it before freezing for easy servings. It stays good for about 2 to 3 months. For thawing, move it from the freezer to the fridge. Let it thaw overnight for the best results. Reheat meatloaf in the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 to 30 minutes or until warm. You can use a microwave, too. Heat on medium power for about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out. You can check the meatloaf's internal temperature for safety. Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf. It should read 160°F (70°C) when done. This ensures it is safe to eat. If you do not have a meat thermometer, look for no pink meat in the center. The juices should run clear. Yes, you can prepare Loaded Potato Meatloaf ahead of time. Mix the meat and potato layers and store them in a loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh until you are ready to bake. You can also bake it, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving. Many sides go well with Loaded Potato Meatloaf. Here are some ideas: - Roasted seasonal vegetables - Fresh mixed salad - Creamy coleslaw - Garlic bread - Mashed cauliflower These sides will complete the meal and add variety. Enjoy the flavor and color they bring! For the Full Recipe, check back to see how to make this delicious dish. Loaded Potato Meatloaf combines hearty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese for a delicious meal. We shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. You can customize the dish with various cheeses or healthier substitutes like turkey. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation. Try different flavors, and have fun with it! With these tips, you'll create a dish that's not just tasty but also memorable. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Potato Meatloaf recipe! This savory dish combines ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this hearty meatloaf is sure to please. Click through for detailed instructions and tips that will help you create this delicious meal everyone will love! Don't miss out on making this amazing comfort dish today!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 lb (450g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it's evenly heated for optimal cooking.

Boil and Mash Potatoes: In a large pot, add the cubed russet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes together with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped green onions until creamy and smooth. Set this loaded mashed potato mixture aside.

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In another large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything together until well-incorporated and uniform in texture.

Form the Meatloaf: Take half of the meat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a loaf pan, forming an even layer.

Layer the Mashed Potatoes: Spread the loaded mashed potatoes evenly over this meat layer, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even surface. Then, take the remaining meat mixture and carefully press it over the potato layer, sealing the edges to prevent any filling from seeping out.

Apply the Ketchup Glaze: Generously spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf, creating a delicious glaze that will caramelize during baking.

Bake the Meatloaf: Place the prepared loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.

Rest and Slice: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps enhance the flavor and makes slicing easier.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and arrange them neatly on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil and sprinkle the remaining chopped green onions on top for a pop of color. Pair with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a refreshing mixed salad for a well-rounded meal that will impress your guests!