Name: Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; ¼ cup milk; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 4 large russet potatoes; 3 tbsp butter; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup chopped green onions; Salt and pepper to taste; Extra shredded cheese for topping

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If you’re searching for a dish that screams comfort food but still has that wow-factor for dinner guests, look no further than Loaded Potato Meatloaf. This beauty marries the tender, herby classic meatloaf with the irresistible flavors of loaded baked potatoes, giving you a showstopper meal that brings smiles and full bellies to the table. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for any cozy night in or special gathering—and you’ll love every cheesy, savory bite!

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the most out of this Loaded Potato Meatloaf starts with simple pantry staples and a few fresh favorites. Each ingredient brings something special—rich flavor, creamy texture, or a pop of color—that all work together beautifully!

Ground beef: The star protein, delivering richness and juicy texture as the backbone of the meatloaf.
Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and lots of savory aroma, especially when finely chopped.
Garlic: Just two cloves make all the difference, infusing the loaf with depth.
Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatloaf tender and help it hold together.
Egg: Works as the perfect binder to give you nice, sliceable pieces.
Milk: Brings moisture to the mix, making the meat flavorful and soft.
Worcestershire sauce: Offers a punch of umami and tang that wakes up the flavor.
Ketchup: Classic comfort food enhancer, it adds sweetness and tomatoey richness.
Dried oregano & basil: These dried herbs bring in a touch of earthiness that’s perfect with beef.
Salt & pepper: The essential seasoning duo, making every other flavor pop.
Russet potatoes: Perfect for baking, their fluffy interior is ideal for mashing and loading up with toppings.
Butter: Ensures your mashed potatoes turn out rich and creamy.
Sour cream: Lends tanginess and the ultimate creamy consistency to the potato filling.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and perfectly sharp, cheddar crowns the loaded potatoes.
Chopped green onions: For a fresh, zesty bite and vibrant color in every mouthful.
Extra shredded cheese: For that gooey, golden finish on top—don’t skip it!

How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a big mixing bowl, gather your ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to combine everything gently—over-mixing will make it tough, so quit once it all looks evenly blended.

Step 2: Form and Bake the Meatloaf

Transfer your savory mixture onto a lined baking sheet or into a loaf pan, shaping it into a nice, even loaf. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, aiming for an internal temp of 160°F (71°C). Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes—this helps all those wonderful juices redistribute, so your slices are moist and perfect.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

While that meatloaf magic is happening, get your potatoes ready. Scrub them well, pierce each a couple times with a fork, and either bake them alongside the meatloaf for about 45 minutes or microwave them for 8-10 minutes. Once they’re fork-tender, halve them and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, keeping the skins intact for stuffing later.

Step 4: Make the Loaded Potato Filling

Now, mash those warm potato scoops with butter, sour cream, a little salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in shredded cheddar and green onions for maximum flavor. This is where the “loaded” part really shines—don’t be shy with the cheese!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Loaded Potatoes

Spoon the cheesy mashed potato mixture straight back into the potato skins, packing them high. Sprinkle more cheddar on top for that irresistible molten crust, then bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma is pure comfort!

Step 6: Serve

Plate thick slices of your Loaded Potato Meatloaf next to those gorgeous, melty stuffed potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions or even a dollop of sour cream for extra flair. Dig in while everything’s hot and fresh!

How to Serve Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Garnishes

A finishing touch makes every plate appealing: sprinkle chopped green onions for color and freshness, or add a dollop of creamy sour cream. A little extra cheddar melted on top also earns bonus points for any cheese fans at your table.

Side Dishes

Loaded Potato Meatloaf is the star of the plate, so keep sides simple and complementary. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli are perfect to balance all that richness. If you’re feeling festive, buttery corn on the cob or roasted carrots make a great match, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow at your next get-together? Try slicing the meatloaf into individual mini-loaves or even shaping them in muffin tins for single-serve portions. Serve the loaded potatoes in a platter alongside for a family-style feast, or nestle a slice of meatloaf right inside a potato skin for the ultimate bite—all the flavors in one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the meatloaf and potatoes separately in foil or airtight containers, then stash in the fridge. Everything stays delicious for up to 3 days, making lunches and speedy dinners a breeze.

Freezing

Baked Loaded Potato Meatloaf freezes well! After cooling, wrap slices and potatoes tightly in foil then place in freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator so the textures stay perfect.

Reheating

For the best flavor and texture, reheat slices of meatloaf and potato halves in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered loosely with foil until hot—about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but reheating gently in the oven preserves that signature tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef, though the flavor will be milder and the texture slightly leaner. Mixing in a bit of ground pork adds moisture and tons of richness, too!

What if I don’t have russet potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes are a solid stand-in for the loaded potato part—they’re creamy and mash beautifully. Just be sure to use potatoes that hold their shape after baking for easy stuffing.

Do I have to bake the potatoes, or can I boil them?

Baking is ideal for loaded potatoes because the skins stay sturdy for stuffing. If you’re pressed for time, microwaving works very well. Boiling can make the skins more delicate, so handle with extra care if you go that route.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Loaded Potato Meatloaf easy to adapt!

Can I prep anything ahead to save time?

You sure can! The meatloaf mixture can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated, and the potatoes can be baked and stored unstuffed. Mash and stuff them right before baking for a speedy finish on the day you plan to serve.

Final Thoughts

Everyone deserves a cozy, mouthwatering dinner, and Loaded Potato Meatloaf truly delivers on every front. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with extra toppings or fun twists—the heart of this recipe is sharing warmth and flavor with those you love. Give it a try, and get ready for new dinner memories around your table!

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe combines the classic flavors of meatloaf with the comforting goodness of loaded baked potatoes. A hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love!

Instructions

Prepare the Meatloaf – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
Form the Meatloaf – Shape the mixture into a loaf and bake for 40-45 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest before slicing.
Cook the Potatoes – Scrub and pierce potatoes, then bake for 45 minutes or microwave until tender. Scoop out insides into a bowl.
Make the Loaded Potato Filling – Mash potato with butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, cheese, and green onions.
Assemble and Bake the Loaded Potatoes – Stuff potato skins with mixture, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Serve – Serve meatloaf with loaded potatoes and garnish as desired.