Hearty & Homestyle: Idaho-Inspired Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort

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Idaho’s Comfort on a Plate: The Ultimate Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, Idaho has the secret ingredient that brings warmth and heartiness to any dish: the potato. And when those fluffy spuds meet a savory meatloaf in a delightful casserole, you’ve got a meal that’s destined to become a family favorite. Welcome to the world of Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole, Idaho-style, where you combine the best of both worlds—rich, meaty goodness, and creamy, cheesy potatoes.

This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something filling, or for sharing at potlucks and gatherings. Every bite gives you that homestyle feel, and the potatoes truly steal the show. Known for their creamy texture and versatility, Idaho potatoes are the foundation for the loaded topping, and the layers of melted cheese and seasoned beef underneath take this dish to the next level.

Recipe: Idaho’s Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Loaded Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer for the meatloaf base.
4. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the diced potatoes until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
5. Mash the potatoes in a bowl, adding sour cream, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the top with the additional cheddar cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is thoroughly heated.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

The Idaho Difference

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a reflection of Idaho's long-standing potato farming tradition. Idaho potatoes are known for their light and fluffy texture, which makes them ideal for mashing into creamy perfection. Combined with savory meatloaf, this dish delivers the comfort and warmth we all crave, especially in colder months.

The secret is in the layers—starting with a classic meatloaf base, flavored with oregano, garlic, and basil for that familiar, hearty taste. Topped with mashed potatoes infused with sour cream and cheddar, the casserole bakes to create a golden, bubbly cheese topping that's impossible to resist. Every forkful provides a balanced bite of meat, cheese, and creamy potatoes, bringing the rich flavors of Idaho straight to your plate.

Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a shared potluck dish, this recipe embodies the essence of Idaho’s down-home cooking style. Give it a try, and watch it become a household staple.

The Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty comfort dish that combines two classic homestyle meals—meatloaf and mashed potatoes—into one mouth-watering casserole. This Idaho-inspired version highlights the state's most famous crop, the potato, turning it into a creamy, cheesy topping for a flavorful meatloaf base.

The casserole begins with a traditional meatloaf mixture, combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and oregano. This savory base is baked to perfection, while the mashed potatoes are prepared separately, blending in sour cream, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar for a rich, loaded potato topping. The dish is finished with a layer of melted cheese, creating a crispy, golden-brown top that makes this meal irresistible​(The Novice Chef)​(Command Cooking)​(12 Tomatoes).

This dish is ideal for family dinners or potlucks, providing a filling and flavorful meal in a single casserole. Its layers of hearty meat and fluffy, cheesy potatoes make it a hit, especially in colder months.

For variations, many cooks add crumbled bacon, Parmesan, or even BBQ sauce to the meatloaf for added flavor​(The Novice Chef)​(Dinner, then Dessert).

You can find more about this delicious recipe at (The Novice Chef)tp​(Dinner, then Dessert)loade​(Command Cooking)-casserole/), Dinner, then Dessert, or Command Cooking.

Enjoy this comforting Idaho-style casserole with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal!