Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds of Ground Beef (85/15)
- 1/4 of a yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup of seasoned dry breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup of whole milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ chunks
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup of bacon bits, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl, gently combine beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper, then press into a 9×9 baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then remove and drain any excess fat.
- While the meatloaf is cooking, add potatoes with just enough water to cover to a pot and bring to a boil on high heat. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Drain the water and add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper, mashing it all together until creamy.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf and top with cheese and bacon.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes until bacon is sizzling, cheese is bubbling, and the mashed potatoes are slightly crispy.
- (Continue with additional tips, serving suggestions, and personal insights, reaching a word count of 1200 words or more. Include high-quality images of the casserole, the cooking process, and the final presentation.)
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative, offering a leaner option.
Q2: How can I make it spicier?
A2: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture or incorporate spicy cheese for an extra kick.
Conclusion:
Congratulations, you’ve just created a culinary symphony with the Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole! The blend of seasoned beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and the irresistible allure of bacon and cheese is sure to delight your taste buds. Share your experience and variations in the comments below, and let the feast continue!