Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This comforting meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese is a hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners. It features a savory beef layer topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar, all baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or leftover)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Step 3: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until it starts to firm up.
4. Step 4: While the meatloaf bakes, warm the mashed potatoes in a saucepan or microwave. Stir in the sour cream and butter, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the baked meatloaf layer, smoothing it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes before mixing with the beef.
• Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time and add extra flavor.
• Add cooked vegetables like peas or carrots between the meat and potato layers for extra nutrition.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different melty topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the mashed potatoes creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and mashed potato layers separately, then combine and bake before serving. Alternatively, bake fully, cool, and refrigerate; reheat when ready to eat.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind they may cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch baking times and consider adding extra moisture like an egg or grated vegetables.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

This hearty Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese is a comforting layered dish featuring a flavorful beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, it combines classic flavors with an easy baking method.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Layer

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Mashed Potato Layer

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or leftover)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the meatloaf dish.
2. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until everything is blended without overworking the meat.
3. Press Meat into Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes to partially cook the meat layer.
4. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, warm up the mashed potatoes if they are leftover or prepared in advance. Stir in sour cream and butter, season well with salt and pepper for creaminess and flavor.
5. Layer Mashed Potatoes: After the meatloaf has baked, carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
6. Add Cheese and Bake Again: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mashed potato layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Rest, Garnish, and Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

• You can use leftover mashed potatoes or prepare fresh ones for this recipe.
• Adjust seasoning in mashed potatoes and meatloaf according to taste preferences.
• Ground beef with 85/15 fat ratio keeps the meatloaf moist but not overly greasy.
• For extra flavor, mix some herbs like thyme or rosemary into the meatloaf mixture.
• If you desire a saucier meatloaf, spread a thin layer of additional ketchup or barbecue sauce on top before adding mashed potatoes.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.

Keywords: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, layered casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked meatloaf