Potato Meatloaf Casserole (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef or turkey.
02 - ½ cup finely chopped white onion.
03 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
04 - 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs.
05 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
06 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
07 - ⅓ cup cottage cheese.
08 - ½ cup BBQ sauce.
09 - 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced.
10 - ½ cup unsalted butter.
11 - ½ cup sour cream.
12 - ½ cup warm milk or half-and-half.
13 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
14 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
15 - 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and crumbled.
16 - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.

Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, cottage cheese, and BBQ sauce. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
03 - Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
04 - While the meatloaf is baking, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
05 - Add butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Mix in sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
06 - Remove the meatloaf from the oven, drain any grease, and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf.
07 - Top with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
08 - Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

01 - Adjust the creaminess of mashed potatoes with extra milk or sour cream if desired.
02 - Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before topping with mashed potatoes.