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Cheesy BBQ Bacon Meatloaf with Loaded Mashed Potato Topping

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This comforting meatloaf is packed with smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheddar, then topped with creamy loaded mashed potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and more cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing twist on classic meatloaf that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped and cooked
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra texture)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup bacon bits, extra crispy (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked bacon, BBQ sauce, 1 cup cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Transfer mixture to loaf pan, pressing down lightly and smoothing the top. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
  5. While meatloaf bakes, boil peeled, cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well.
  6. Mash potatoes with milk, butter, sour cream, and blended cottage cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Use a hand mixer for extra creaminess, but do not over-mix.
  7. Remove meatloaf from oven. Spread mashed potatoes over meatloaf, then sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives or green onions if using.
  8. Return to oven and bake 15-20 minutes more, until cheese is melted and potatoes are lightly browned. For a crispy cheese crust, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let meatloaf cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based ground and skip bacon for vegetarian. Don’t over-mix the meatloaf or potatoes. Let meatloaf rest before slicing for clean pieces. Leftovers reheat well and make great sandwiches.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, BBQ meatloaf, bacon meatloaf, loaded mashed potatoes, comfort food, family dinner, easy meatloaf, mashed potato topping

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