Introduction
A comforting and hearty meal, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, savory seasonings.
creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese for a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy. This classic combination is perfect for any weeknight dinner, offering a satisfying balance of protein.
carbs, and flavor that hits the spot. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal, this recipe promises to deliver both taste and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for the best moisture)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to cook the meatloaf.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid a dense meatloaf.
Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf for a flavorful glaze that will caramelize as it cooks.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
If you prefer a fluffier texture, you can add a little more milk to achieve the consistency you desire.
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures each slice is juicy and flavorful.
Top the mashed potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese and place them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Make
To make the perfect meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese, focus on achieving a good balance of moisture and flavor in both the meatloaf and the mashed potatoes.
For the meatloaf, use a combination of beef and breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture while keeping it juicy.
The addition of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce gives it a rich, savory flavor, while Italian seasoning adds depth.
When making the mashed potatoes, choose starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold for the best texture.
The key to smooth and creamy mashed potatoes is not overworking them, and be sure to incorporate the butter, milk, and sour cream for extra creaminess.
Topping the potatoes with melted cheese is a simple but effective way to elevate the dish.
Be sure to let the meatloaf rest before slicing so that the juices don’t run out, keeping every slice moist and tender.
This also gives the flavors a chance to meld together. Finally, serve the meatloaf with the cheesy mashed potatoes and enjoy a complete, delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Variations
For a healthier twist, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground beef. This will reduce the fat content of the meatloaf but still provide a hearty.protein-packed dish.
You can also experiment with adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition and texture.
If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a bit of heat.
You can also switch up the cheese on top of the mashed potatoes – try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, such as lentils, mushrooms, or a pre-made vegan meatloaf mixture.
Ensure the breadcrumbs are suitable for your dietary preferences, and you can make a vegan mashed potato option by using dairy-free butter and milk.
If you prefer a more decadent version, you could top the meatloaf with crispy bacon or add a layer of caramelized onions for extra richness.
For mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic or cream cheese for even more flavor.
Another option is to incorporate different herbs and seasonings in the meatloaf. Instead of Italian seasoning.
you can try using thyme, rosemary, or even smoked paprika for a more distinct flavor. A dollop of BBQ sauce in the meat mixture can give it a smoky, tangy flair.
For a cheesy meatloaf, you can insert cheese into the middle of the loaf before baking. Simply hollow out a small section in the center of the loaf and stuff it with cheese, such as mozzarella, before baking.
Tips
When forming the meatloaf, be careful not to overmix the meat. Overworking the mixture can lead to a dense loaf. It’s best to mix just until everything is combined and no longer.
To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, be sure to use room temperature butter and milk.
Cold ingredients can make the potatoes lumpy, so warming them slightly before adding them to the potatoes helps achieve a smooth consistency.
If you find that the meatloaf is browning too quickly on top, you can cover it with foil halfway through baking to prevent it from drying out. Once it’s almost finished, uncover the foil to let the top brown nicely.
For an added touch of flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the meatloaf. Roasted garlic has a much milder and sweeter taste compared to raw garlic and will enhance the overall dish.
If you prefer a crispier topping on your mashed potatoes, consider baking them in an oven-safe dish at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
If you’re short on time, you can make the mashed potatoes and meatloaf separately. Both can be reheated in the oven when ready to serve.
For a smoother meatloaf texture, you can use a food processor to finely chop the vegetables instead of doing it by hand.
This will ensure even distribution of the vegetables throughout the meatloaf.
Conclusion
This meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together classic flavors in a way that’s easy to make and enjoy.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and sure to become a favorite.
With the option to modify the ingredients to suit your tastes, this meal can be customized to fit any dietary need or flavor preference.
Serve it up with a side of fresh vegetables, and you have a well-rounded, delicious meal that everyone can enjoy!