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Meatloaf and Loaded Potatoes

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Meatloaf and Loaded Potatoes combines two comfort food classics into one satisfying meal. The meatloaf features ground beef seasoned with aromatic herbs, garlic, and onions, bound together with breadcrumbs, egg, and milk for a tender texture. While it bakes to perfection, russet potatoes are cooked until tender, then transformed into loaded twice-baked potatoes filled with a creamy mixture of butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. The potatoes are stuffed back into their skins, topped with additional cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. This hearty pairing offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures - the savory, herb-infused meatloaf complementing the rich, cheesy potatoes. It's a complete meal that epitomizes home cooking at its finest, providing both protein and carbs in a nostalgic, satisfying package that's perfect for family dinners.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:33:32 GMT
A dish of food with a green topping. Pin it
A dish of food with a green topping. | tastelikemagic.com

Loaded potato meatloaf brilliantly combines two beloved comfort foods into one satisfying meal. This ingenious pairing features a savory, juicy meatloaf alongside creamy, cheese-filled twice-baked potatoes that complement each other perfectly. Each bite delivers that homestyle satisfaction we crave, with the rich meatiness balanced by fluffy, indulgent potatoes loaded with melted cheese, fresh green onions, and tangy sour cream.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly cold winter when comfort food cravings were at their peak. After making traditional meatloaf and twice-baked potatoes separately for years, combining them seemed like a natural evolution. My family immediately declared it their new favorite dinner request, particularly appreciating how the flavors meld together on the plate. Now it's become our go-to meal for Sunday family dinners when everyone gathers around the table.

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef: Provides richness and satisfying texture.
  • 1 small onion: Adds aromatic flavor and moisture.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Enhances depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs: Binds the meatloaf while keeping it tender.
  • 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent.
  • 1 cup milk: Hydrates breadcrumbs, ensuring tenderness.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and tangy depth.
  • 4 large russet potatoes: Perfect for twice-baked potatoes with a fluffy texture.
  • 1 cup sour cream: Creates a creamy, tangy potato filling.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar: Classic cheesy goodness for loaded potatoes.
  • ½ cup green onions: Provides freshness and mild onion bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 375°F and position the rack in the center.
Prepare Baking Vessels:
Grease a loaf pan for meatloaf and line a separate baking sheet with foil for potatoes.
Wash Potatoes:
Scrub russet potatoes, pierce with a fork, and place on a baking sheet.
Bake Potatoes:
Bake for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender.
Mix Meatloaf:
Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Shape Meatloaf:
Form into a loaf shape and place in a greased pan or on a lined baking sheet.
Bake Meatloaf:
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Prepare Potato Filling:
Once baked, scoop out potato flesh into a bowl.
Mix Potato Ingredients:
Mash potatoes with sour cream, butter, cheddar, green onions, salt, and pepper.
Stuff Potato Skins:
Refill potato skins with the mashed mixture.
Top With Cheese:
Sprinkle extra cheese and green onions on top.
Final Baking:
Increase oven temp to 425°F and bake potatoes for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Rest Meatloaf:
Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve:
Plate meatloaf slices with loaded potatoes and enjoy.
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A plate of food with a fork. | tastelikemagic.com

Serving Ideas

Pair with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Add a crisp green salad for refreshing contrast.

Serve with warm dinner rolls to soak up meatloaf juices.

Creative Variations

Try a Southwestern twist with taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and guacamole.

Go Italian with Parmesan, marinara glaze, and mozzarella-stuffed potatoes.

Make it breakfast-style with sausage meatloaf and hash brown-stuffed potatoes.

Leftover Solutions

Turn leftovers into a skillet hash with eggs for breakfast.

Make a meatloaf sandwich with melted cheese and grilled bread.

Chop and mix with leftover potato filling to stuff bell peppers.

Storage Guide

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

Reheat in a 350°F oven for best results.

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A plate of food with sauce on it. | tastelikemagic.com

This loaded potato meatloaf has become a staple in my home. The combination of a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with creamy, cheesy potatoes satisfies every craving for classic comfort food. Whether it's for a family gathering or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe brings everyone to the table with excitement and guarantees satisfied appetites.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare both the meatloaf mixture and the potato filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
→ How can I tell when my meatloaf is done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer - the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, look for a meatloaf that's browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.
→ What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in the meatloaf?
You can use crushed crackers, oatmeal, or almond flour as alternatives to breadcrumbs. Each will provide a slightly different texture but will work well as binding agents.
→ Can I freeze leftovers of this meal?
Yes, both the meatloaf and loaded potatoes freeze well. Wrap portions tightly, freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
→ What other toppings can I add to my loaded potatoes?
Try adding crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, broccoli florets, caramelized onions, or different cheese varieties like pepper jack or blue cheese for different flavor combinations.

Meatloaf and Loaded Potatoes

This classic Meatloaf and Loaded Potatoes recipe pairs herb-seasoned beef with cheesy twice-baked potatoes for the ultimate comfort food dinner combination.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 meatloaf and 8 potato halves)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Meatloaf

01 1 lb ground beef
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 cup breadcrumbs
05 1 large egg
06 ¼ cup milk
07 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 1 tbsp ketchup
09 1 tsp dried oregano
10 1 tsp dried basil
11 1 tsp salt
12 ½ tsp black pepper

→ For the Loaded Potatoes

13 4 large russet potatoes
14 3 tbsp butter
15 ½ cup sour cream
16 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 ½ cup chopped green onions
18 Salt and pepper to taste
19 Extra shredded cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 375°F. Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your ground beef, chopped onion, and those minced garlic cloves. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and that dollop of ketchup. Sprinkle in your herbs and seasonings - the oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Now get your hands dirty and mix it all together, but don't overwork it or you'll end up with a tough meatloaf. Just mix until everything's combined and looking friendly with each other.

Step 02

Form your meat mixture into a nice loaf shape - think of it as meat sculpture! Pop it onto a baking sheet or into a loaf pan if you want those crispy edges contained. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when a meat thermometer reads 160°F, or when it's no longer pink in the middle. Once it's done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing - this helps keep all those tasty juices inside.

Step 03

While your meatloaf is doing its thing, let's get those potatoes ready. Give them a good scrub (they did grow in dirt, after all) and poke them a few times with a fork so they don't explode in your oven - nobody wants potato shrapnel! You can either bake them alongside your meatloaf for about 45 minutes, or if you're in a hurry, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 8-10 minutes until they're soft when squeezed.

Step 04

Once those potatoes are tender, carefully cut them in half (they're hot!) and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato in the skin so they hold their shape. Add the butter to the hot potato and watch it melt into golden goodness. Mix in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper. Now fold in most of that shredded cheddar (save some for topping) and the chopped green onions. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed - this is your potato masterpiece!

Step 05

Spoon your cheesy potato mixture back into those potato skin boats, mounding it up a bit. Sprinkle the tops with that reserved cheddar cheese - don't be shy here! Pop them back in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, just until that cheese gets all melty and starts to bubble and brown a little on the edges.

Step 06

Slice up that beautiful meatloaf and plate it alongside your loaded potato halves. For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some additional chopped green onions on top of everything, or add a little dollop of sour cream on the potatoes. Now sit back and watch everyone's eyes light up when you bring this classic comfort food combo to the table!

Notes

  1. This classic comfort food dinner combines two family favorites - hearty meatloaf and indulgent loaded baked potatoes - for a meal that's sure to satisfy everyone at your table.
  2. Both components can be partially prepped ahead of time, making this a great option for busy weeknights - just assemble and bake when you're ready to eat.
  3. Don't worry if you don't have all the exact herbs - this recipe is forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand.
  4. The leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day - try a slice of meatloaf on bread with some mayo and ketchup!

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or loaf pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Fork (for piercing potatoes)
  • Spoon (for scooping out potato flesh)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs)
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter, sour cream, cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 30 g