Mashed Potato-Meat Loaf Casserole

I made this tonight ~and it was great!!! Do try!
It's a bit loaded with calories for me but damn if comfort food isn't saying "let me comfort you."
Obviously, comfort food wins -this time.


Potato Filling:
2 pound(s) (4 large) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/2 cup(s) sour cream or plain yogurt

1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

1/8 teaspoon(s) pepper

1 egg

1/4 cup(s) fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon(s) sesame seeds


Meat Loaf Shell:
1 tablespoon(s) olive or vegetable oil

2 onions, chopped

1 clove(s) garlic, minced

1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano, crumbled

1/2 teaspoon(s) dried basil, crumbled

1 pound(s) lean ground beef or meat loaf mixture

2 eggs

1/2 cup(s) plain dry breadcrumbs

1/2 cup(s) tomato sauce

1/4 cup(s) parsley, fresh basil, or cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup(s) dry white wine

1 tablespoon(s) cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon(s) salt

1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper

Directions:
1.
Place potatoes in large pot of salted water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until tender.

2. Meanwhile, start meat loaf shell. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a shallow 2-quart casserole. In medium skillet, sauté onions in oil 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic, oregano, and dried basil; cook 1 minute. Spoon into large bowl and cool about 10 minutes.

3. Crumble meat into onion mixture. Add eggs, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, fresh basil, wine, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix just until thoroughly combined. Place in casserole, and press over bottom and up sides to make a shell.

4. Drain potatoes well. Place in medium bowl. Beat in sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Add egg and beat until fluffy. Beat in basil. Fill center of shell with mashed potatoes; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake 50 to 60 minutes until potatoes puff and are lightly browned. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Techniques:
Variations: Use all ground beef or half ground chicken or turkey. If using parsley in meat loaf shell, you can add 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed chopped green olives.To reheat: If room temperature, bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees F; if cold, 55 minutes.