Introduction
Meatloaf is a comforting and hearty dish that has become a family favorite for many. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s the perfect choice for a cozy dinner.
Paired with mashed potatoes and topped with melty cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this meatloaf recipe is easy to follow and results in a flavorful, tender loaf.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
Amount of Ingredients
Ground beef with 85% lean fat content, 2 pounds.
1 cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of milk
Chopped onion: 1 medium.
Chopped garlic: 2 cloves
2 big eggs
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
Use half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper.
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Half a cup of ketchup
Two tablespoons of brown sugar.
To make the mashed potatoes:
Amount of Ingredients
2 pounds of peeled and chopped potatoes.
1/2 cup of milk
Butter without salt, 1/4 cup.
Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
Regarding the topping:
Amount of Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley to decorate.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, and garlic.
Crack in the eggs and add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix everything together until well combined.
but be careful not to overwork the meat to ensure the loaf remains tender.
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a pot of salted water.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and spread the ketchup over the top. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across.
the ketchup layer, then return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
After the meatloaf is finished, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Meanwhile.
prepare the topping by sprinkling the grated cheddar cheese over the meatloaf and allowing it to melt into the warm glaze.
Serve the meatloaf slices on plates alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
How to Make
To begin, the key to a flavorful meatloaf is balancing the moisture and seasonings. The breadcrumbs and milk help bind the meat together.
creating a tender loaf. Using 85% lean ground beef gives the right amount of fat for flavor without making the meatloaf too greasy.
Be sure to chop the onion and garlic finely to ensure they blend well into the meat mixture. If you prefer a smoother texture.
you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture, which also deepens their flavor.
When baking the meatloaf, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
A thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) at the center of the loaf. This ensures the meatloaf is cooked through but still juicy.
The mashed potatoes should be fluffy and smooth, so don’t skip the mashing step. If you prefer a creamier consistency, feel free to add more butter or milk, adjusting to your taste.
When preparing the topping, spreading the ketchup and brown sugar creates a sweet and savory glaze.
The caramelization adds a delicious depth of flavor, which complements the savory meatloaf perfectly. If you’re a fan of extra cheese, feel free to sprinkle more on top before serving.
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
You can also substitute the cheddar cheese for another type, such as mozzarella, for a different twist.
For an added touch, try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the mashed potatoes, or sprinkle them over the meatloaf for a fragrant garnish.
Tips
One tip for a juicier meatloaf is to not overmix the ingredients. Overworking the meat can lead to a dense loaf.
Mix just enough to combine the ingredients, and the result will be tender and moist.
If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
This allows the heat to circulate better, and the edges of the meatloaf will become slightly crispier, adding texture.
When making mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill for an ultra-smooth and fluffy texture. This step is especially useful if you’re aiming for a gourmet touch.
For a variation, try adding grated cheese into the mashed potatoes or mixing in some roasted garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
If you want to make this meal ahead of time, the meatloaf mixture can be prepare.
the night before and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when baked.
For a healthier alternative, you can swap the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but the meatloaf will still be delicious.
To keep the mashed potatoes warm, transfer them to a heatproof dish and cover them with foil.
You can also make the potatoes ahead of time and reheat them gently on the stove with a splash of milk and butter.
Conclusion
This meatloaf recipe is sure to become a beloved dish in your household. The combination of savory ground beef.
fragrant herbs, and a sweet topping creates a deliciously comforting meal. Paired with buttery mashed potatoes and melty cheese, it’s a complete dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is simple yet impressive. The flavors come together beautifully, making it a meal worth repeating.