Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a comforting plate of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. This classic dinner.
with a savory meatloaf paired with creamy mashed potatoes, brings a cozy, home-cooked meal to your table.
Topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will make sure everyone leaves the table full and content.
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
To begin with the meatloaf, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, and garlic.
Add the eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme, and mix everything together thoroughly.
Once combined, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or a lined baking pan.
In a separate bowl, mix the ketchup and brown sugar together, then spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
For the mashed potatoes, place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water.
Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
To serve, slice the meatloaf and place it alongside a generous serving of mashed potatoes.
Top the meatloaf with the grated cheddar cheese and let it melt slightly before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy this hearty, satisfying meal!
How to Make
Start by preparing the meatloaf mixture. Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, and garlic in a bowl.
Adding Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and the seasonings will deepen the flavor of the meatloaf. After shaping it into a loaf, the sweet and tangy.
ketchup-brown sugar topping adds a lovely glaze that caramelizes as the meatloaf bakes. Allow the meatloaf to cook until perfectly tender, with a crispy edge from the glaze.
While the meatloaf is baking, focus on the mashed potatoes. Boiling the potatoes until they are tender ensures a smooth, lump-free mash.
Adding butter and milk helps to create a creamy texture, while seasoning with salt and pepper balances the flavors. The mashed potatoes act as the perfect base for the meatloaf and its delicious topping.
Once everything is ready, combine the mashed potatoes and meatloaf on the plate and top it off with shredded cheddar cheese.
Allow the cheese to melt for a rich, comforting taste. Garnish with parsley to add a fresh pop of color, and you’re all set for a delightful meal.
Variations
There are numerous ways you can change this recipe to suit your preferences. For a lighter option, you can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef in the meatloaf.
If you want to add a bit of a kick, feel free to mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture.
For the mashed potatoes, you can swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more colorful side dish.
You can also add roasted garlic or cream cheese for a different take on traditional mashed potatoes.
Experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or parsley, to infuse the mashed potatoes with even more flavor.
If you prefer a healthier version, you could replace the breadcrumbs with crushed whole wheat crackers, and use .
skim milk instead of whole milk for the mashed potatoes. For the cheese topping, try using a reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten things up.
Tips
To get the best texture for your meatloaf, don’t overmix the ingredients. Overworking the meat mixture can result in a tough loaf.
Additionally, be sure to use lean ground beef for a juicier result. If the meatloaf is too dry, adding a bit more milk or Worcestershire sauce to the mix can help.
When preparing mashed potatoes, ensure you don’t overcook the potatoes, as they can become waterlogged and mushy.
After draining the potatoes, let them sit for a minute to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This will help make your mashed potatoes extra creamy and flavorful.
For even cooking, consider shaping your meatloaf into a slightly flattened loaf. This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly throughout.
If you have leftovers, meatloaf sandwiches the next day make for a delicious treat, especially when paired with a tangy sauce.
Another great tip for mashed potatoes is to warm the milk and butter together before adding them to the potatoes.
This helps the ingredients incorporate more smoothly, resulting in a creamy mash without lumps. You can also add a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.
If you’re making this meal for a crowd, doubling the recipe is easy and ensures you have plenty of food for everyone. The leftovers also freeze well for future meals, which is always a plus.
Conclusion
This meatloaf and mashed potatoes recipe is a classic comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite.
It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and offers a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you follow.
the recipe exactly or put your own twist on it, you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty dinner that everyone will love.
Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this meal provides all the warmth and comfort that you could ask for. Enjoy making it, and most importantly, enjoy eating it!