Follow these straightforward steps to make the Ultimate Loaded Potato Meatloaf:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly.
2. Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble; set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet with bacon fat, sauté onions until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, sautéed onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Add Bacon: Fold in the crumbled bacon, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Shape Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan. Form it into a loaf shape neatly.
7. Bake: Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
8. Add Toppings: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese and green onions on top for an enhanced flavor profile.
9. Rest: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.