Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe

Get ready to experience comfort food bliss with this irresistible Loaded Potato Meatloaf! Imagine tender, herby meatloaf slices sitting next to classic loaded potato skins, each bite packed with savory ground beef, fluffy mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar, and just the right hint of fresh green onions. This dish is one of those showstopping meals that’s deceptively simple to put together and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re gathering with friends or craving a hearty family dinner, Loaded Potato Meatloaf delivers both the classic homestyle warmth you love and a fun, modern twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its familiar ingredients, each bringing their own magic—whether it’s the rich texture of beef, the creamy comfort of potatoes, or the zing from fresh green onions. Every element contributes to the incredible taste, so don’t skip the details!

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The foundation of meatloaf, offering savory flavor and satisfying heartiness.
• Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture—finely chopping ensures even distribution.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh minced garlic brightens every bite, boosting the overall flavor.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Breadcrumbs hold the loaf together and make it perfectly tender instead of dense.
• Large Egg (1): The ultimate binder, helping everything stick together as it bakes.
• Milk (¼ cup): Adds moisture, and ensures the meatloaf stays juicy rather than dry.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Brings umami depth—a little splash goes a long way!
• Ketchup (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of tangy sweetness that rounds out the savory flavors.
• Dried Oregano (1 tsp): A classic seasoning that pairs beautifully with both beef and potatoes.
• Dried Basil (1 tsp): Extra herby notes complement the oregano for aromatic depth.
• Salt (1 tsp): Essential for bringing all the flavors alive.
• Black Pepper (½ tsp): A gentle kick to balance the richness of the dish.
• Russet Potatoes (4 large): Perfect for baking, with fluffy interiors made for mashing and loading up!
• Butter (3 tbsp): Melted into the potatoes for that creamy, golden finish.
• Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds luxurious tang and creaminess to the potato filling.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, plus extra for topping): Nothing says “loaded” like plenty of melty, zingy cheddar.
• Green Onions (½ cup, chopped): Brings fresh, sharp bursts of flavor and color to every forkful.
• Salt & Pepper to taste (for potatoes): Personalize the flavor to just how you like it!

How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix these with your hands or a sturdy spoon—just until combined, so your meatloaf turns out as tender and juicy as possible.

Step 2: Form the Meatloaf

Shape the seasoned beef mixture into a loaf, pressing it together just enough to hold its shape, and place it either on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or inside a classic loaf pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes to make slicing a breeze—plus, all those delicious juices will stay right where you want them!

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

While your meatloaf bakes, give those russet potatoes a good scrub and pierce them all over with a fork to vent steam. Bake them right alongside your loaf for 45 minutes, or speed things up by microwaving for 8 to 10 minutes until fork-tender. Once they’re cooked, slice each potato in half lengthwise, and carefully scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a sturdy shell behind.

Step 4: Make the Loaded Potato Filling

Mash the still-warm potato with butter, sour cream, and a good pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Next, fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions, mixing until the cheese just begins to melt and the green onions give off their fresh aroma. This is where that loaded potato magic happens!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Loaded Potatoes

Gently spoon the loaded potato filling back into their shells, piling them generously for maximum comfort food payoff. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese right on top, then return them to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melty and bubbling to golden perfection.

Step 6: Serve

When everything’s ready, slice your juicy meatloaf and plate it up with the piping-hot loaded potato halves. Finish with an extra sprinkle of green onions or a dollop of sour cream over the potatoes, and you’ve just created a modern classic—Loaded Potato Meatloaf that’s every bit as rewarding as it looks!

How to Serve Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Garnishes

You can’t go wrong with a flurry of fresh green onions or chopped chives for bright color and lively flavor. For extra decadence, add a small dollop of sour cream to each loaded potato, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for that true steakhouse experience. A final crack of black pepper over both meatloaf and potatoes makes the whole plate even more inviting.

Side Dishes

While Loaded Potato Meatloaf is a star all on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or even buttery corn on the cob. Something with a little crunch and freshness will balance the richness of the main event, and a simple veggie side lets you savor every bite of those loaded potatoes!

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve individual mini meatloaves with half a loaded potato each—perfect for parties or portion control! Or, arrange sliced meatloaf and loaded potato halves family-style on a big platter, garnished with lots of herbs. For a comfort food buffet, you can even turn extra potato filling into small “potato boats” and tuck slices of meatloaf inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Loaded Potato Meatloaf makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the meatloaf and potatoes separate so the textures stay just right.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze individual slices of meatloaf and the loaded potatoes (once cooled). Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange meatloaf slices and potatoes on a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm for about 15–20 minutes. This gentle reheating keeps everything juicy and the cheese on the potatoes melty. You can also microwave for a quick lunch, but oven reheating yields the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of Loaded Potato Meatloaf, though you may want to add an extra splash of milk or a bit more breadcrumbs to keep it moist.

Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake, scoop, and even mash the potato filling a day in advance. Simply cover tightly and store in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake the loaded potatoes right before serving for optimum freshness.

How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?

The right ratio of breadcrumbs, egg, and milk is key. Don’t overmix your meat mixture—just combine until all the ingredients are incorporated to ensure a tender, sliceable meatloaf.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

No problem at all! You can form the meat mixture into a loaf shape by hand and place it right on a lined baking sheet. This even allows for a little extra browning on the edges.

Can I add extra toppings to the loaded potatoes?

Of course! Feel free to top with bacon bits, more cheeses, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika. The “loaded” part is all about customizing to your taste!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving serious comfort food with a little extra wow-factor, give Loaded Potato Meatloaf a try. The blend of juicy, well-seasoned meatloaf and creamy, cheesy potatoes is pure happiness on a plate. It’s a modern classic that’ll win over anyone lucky enough to grab a forkful, so don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite at your table!

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