This casserole is pure comfort layered in a dish — think juicy seasoned beef, fork-tender golden potatoes, and a bubbling cheddar cheese topping that seals it all together. It’s a cozy spin on classic meatloaf with a loaded potato twist, baked to golden perfection.
Perfect for family dinners or weekend meal prep, this one-pan wonder is hearty, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear fast. From the ketchup-glazed beef base to the cheesy, buttery potatoes on top, every bite brings warm, satisfying flavor with minimal fuss.
💛 Why You will Love This Recipe
🥩 Juicy meatloaf-style beef with rich seasoning
🥔 Sliced golden potatoes for texture and bite
🧀 Cheddar cheese melted to bubbly perfection
🍽️ One pan, easy layering, no shaping or fuss
🎉 Perfect for leftovers — reheats beautifully
🕒 Time and Serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal (estimated)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef Layer
1.5 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
½ cup ketchup
For the Potato Layer
2 lbs yellow potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Salt & pepper to taste
Topping
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
(Optional) Chopped green onions
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Mix the Beef Layer
In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3️⃣ Bake the Meat Base
Press the beef mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Spread ketchup on top. Bake for 25 minutes.
4️⃣ Cook the Potatoes
While the beef bakes, boil sliced potatoes in salted water for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5️⃣ Layer It Up
Remove the beef from the oven. Arrange potato slices over the meat layer and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6️⃣ Bake to Melt
Return to oven and bake another 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden on top.
7️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and optional green onions.
❄️ Storage AND Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat: Oven or microwave until warmed through
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze in slices for up to 2 months
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use mashed potatoes instead of sliced?
A: You can! Just spread a thick layer of mashed potatoes after the beef is cooked and before adding cheese.
Q: What other cheeses work well?
A: Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend work great — just aim for something that melts well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble it a few hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q: How can I make it a full meal?
A: Serve with a side salad or steamed green beans for a complete dinner.
📝 Final Thoughts
This casserole is everything comfort food should be — hearty, golden, cheesy, and layered with flavor. It brings the familiar flavors of a meat-and-potatoes dinner into a one-dish wonder that’s both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or meal-prepping for the week, this one’s always a win.
