Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: Comfort Food For A Busy Weeknight

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Has work been super busy? Are your kids or grandkids involved with Fall sports? Make sure everyone is fueled up and ready to go with this loaded mashed potato casserole. Perfect for a quick meal before heading out or a nice comfort food after a long day at work.

It’s always hard to be motivated to cook when you are tired and hungry. That is why casserole recipes are the perfect solution. Easy to make, you can often prepare them ahead of time. Whatever your family likes, there is a recipe for that. Loaded mashed potato casserole is a favorite in our family and I know that you will enjoy it too!

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FAQ’s About This Recipe

Why Are The Potatoes Called “Loaded”?

Because this recipe comes with all kinds of toppings, the term loaded means just that.

What Are The Best Potatoes To Use In This Recipe?

There are so many potatoes out there that you can use for this recipe. However, because of starch content, russet potatoes tend to produce a creamier result when mashed, so that is my favorite. Idaho potatoes are also a great choice.

Is Warm Or Cold Milk Best When Making This Recipe?

My grandmother always used warm milk when she made her potatoes, so that is what I use. Cold milk can end up curdling or separating because of the difference in temperatures.

Is There A Way To Make The Mashed Potatoes Creamier?

My secret ingredient to use in potatoes to make them creamier is heavy whipping cream. I use it as a substitute for milk in a lot of my recipes now and it really makes a difference.

Weeknight Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Recipe Ingredients For This Easy Casserole Recipe

• 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
• 8 oz Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 Onion, medium, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 4 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Green Onion/Scallions, sliced
• As desired, salt and pepper
• 1 tsp Oil for frying

Kitchen Tools Needed To Make This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

• Large pot
• 9×7 baking dish
• Serving spoon
• Dinner plates

Alternative baking dish sizes can be 9 x 9 or 8 x 8. Depending on the size of dish you use will depend on how deep/thick the mashed potato casserole will be. You may need to adjust your baking time.

Recipe Basics For

• PREP TIME: 10 minutes
• COOK/BAKE TIME: 40 minutes
• YIELDS: 6 servings

Directions To Make Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Okay, here are the steps necessary to make this recipe.

Step #1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees to start this recipe.

Step #2: Make Your Potatoes

Peel your potatoes and cut them up into pieces and completely cover with water. Boil the potatoes until a fork goes through the potatoes easily (approximately 15-20 minutes). Drain and transfer back into the pot.

Step #3

Add the ¼ cup butter and sour cream and mash the potatoes.

Step #4

Add the oil for frying to a skillet, then and add the chopped onions and garlic.

**Optional step, lightly salt the onions to help draw out the natural sugars to help with sautéing.

Step #5

Add ½ of the bacon crumbles and heat through. Add the skillet mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix all together.

Step #6

Transfer the potatoes to a lightly sprayed 9 x 7 baking dish.

Step #7

Cover the potatoes with the shredded cheese.

Step #8

Sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles over the top.

Step #9

Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is nicely melted and the bacon is crisped.

Step #10

Remove from the oven and let sit for a couple minutes. Garnish with the sliced green onions and enjoy.

What To Enjoy With This Easy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Ready to make this a complete meal? Here are some great sides & drinks to go with this weeknight casserole.

1. One of my favorite drinks to go with any recipe I make is this easy rum punch recipe. If you make a large batch, it will last all week.
2. Soup is always a great side to go with a casserole dish. Spicy broccoli cheddar soup is just what you need.
3. Another great side to go with potatoes is chili. How about this recipe for slow cooker chicken chili for a hearty meal.
4. And if you are looking for a little island flair, why not have a classic tequila sunrise cocktail while you wait for you meal to finish.
5. Another soup option would be this creamy corn chowder recipe. Dark & cool evenings don’t stand a chance.
6. A light salad option would be this delicious watermelon, feta, and arugula salad.
7. And a simple classic house salad is a great side to go with this loaded mashed potato casserole.
8. Need a dessert idea? Why not have some M&M Cracker bark to satisfy your sweet tooth.
9. You can also serve a simple baked chicken breast to round out your meal.

What To Do With Leftovers: Storage & Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers after making this recipe for loaded mashed potato casserole, what next?

What Is The Best Way To Store Any Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Leftovers?

Always store your leftovers in airtight containers, making sure the casserole is completely cooled before placing in the fridge or freezer.

How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored In The Fridge?

You can store any of the leftovers in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Can The Breakfast Casserole Be Frozen?

Because of the milk or heavy cream you use in this recipe, I don’t recommend freezing this dish for future use. The layers will crystalize and separate when thawing.

What is The Best Way To Reheat This Recipe?

To reheat in the microwave, cover individual servings with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel (I always suggest wetting the paper towel), microwave for 60 seconds, check your temperature, then microwave for 20 seconds more, if necessary.

Printable Recipe Card For Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Want to make this recipe for yourself? Here is a printable recipe card you can add to your recipe binder.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: Busy Night Meal

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Are your kids or grandkids involved with Fall sports? Make sure everyone is fueled up and ready to go with this loaded mashed potato casserole. Perfect for a quick meal before heading out or a nice comfort food after a long day at work.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
• 8 oz Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 Onion, medium, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 4 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Green Onion/Scallions, sliced
• As desired, salt and pepper
• 1 tsp Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees to start this recipe.
2. Peel your potatoes and cut them up into pieces and completely cover with water. Boil the potatoes until a fork goes through the potatoes easily (approximately 15-20 minutes). Drain and transfer back into the pot.
3. Add the ¼ cup butter and sour cream and mash the potatoes.
4. Add the oil for frying to a skillet, then and add the chopped onions and garlic.
5. Add ½ of the bacon crumbles and heat through. Add the skillet mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix all together.
6. Transfer the potatoes to a lightly sprayed 9 x 7 baking dish.
7. Cover the potatoes with the shredded cheese.
8. Sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles over the top.
9. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is nicely melted and the bacon is crisped.
10. Remove from the oven and let sit for a couple minutes. Garnish with the sliced green onions and enjoy.

Notes

*To save calories, omit the ¼ cup of butter that’s added before mashing.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 625Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 906mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 24g

All amounts are approximate. Consult your physician or registered dietician for exact nutritional values.

More Mashed Potato Casserole Recipes

• Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole
• Loaded Mashed Potatoe Casserole
• Mashed Potato Casserole With Crispy Chicken
• Loaded Mashed Potato Spider Web Casserole

This recipe is a great stand-alone dish on a busy weeknight and is even better as a side. You can take this to a holiday potluck or to an ailing neighbor. It is an all-around perfect dish.

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