Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potato Casserole:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
For the Meatloaf:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan (9×5-inch) and shape it into a loaf. Alternatively, you can freeform it into a loaf and place it directly into the baking dish.
- Bake the meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). While baking, you can baste it with additional BBQ sauce halfway through for an extra layer of flavor.
For the Potato Casserole:
- Prepare the potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the potato casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: After the meatloaf has baked for about 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully spoon the potato mixture around the meatloaf in the same baking dish. The potatoes should be nestled in the dish around the meatloaf, or you can layer them on top.
- Bake the casserole: Continue baking the dish for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown on top. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an even cheesier finish.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled bacon, if desired.
Methods:
- Meatloaf: Combining ground beef and pork gives the meatloaf a juicy, tender texture. The addition of BBQ sauce adds sweetness and smokiness, making it a great pairing with the creamy potato casserole.
- Potato Casserole: The key to creamy potatoes is using sour cream and milk or cream to create a rich texture, while the garlic and onion powder infuse great flavor. Baking the potatoes until golden and bubbly ensures that they become soft and melt in your mouth.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
- You can also add a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.