Ingredients:
Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Mashed Potato Layer:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping:
- 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Make the Meatloaf Layer: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Mix gently until just combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake the Meatloaf: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and drain any excess fat.
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While the Meatloaf Bakes: In a medium pot, add potatoes and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water.
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Make the Mashed Potatoes: In the same pot, mash the potatoes with butter, sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are heated through.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20).
- You can substitute other cheeses for cheddar, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
- Add other toppings to your liking, such as chopped green onions or sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.