Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, simply bake as instructed—just add an extra 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What potatoes work best for mashing?

Yukon golds and russets are your best friends here. They result in creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that spread smoothly over the meatloaf.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Of course! Substitute the butter and heavy cream in the potatoes for your favorite plant-based options, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the topping.

How do I avoid a greasy meatloaf?

Choose a ground beef with moderate fat (80/20 is ideal) for flavor and moisture, but don’t go too fatty. Baking on a rack or draining off excess fat halfway through ensures a great texture.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Description

This hearty Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese is a classic comfort dish, combining savory beef meatloaf topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect main course for family dinners, offering a well-rounded meal in one delicious bake.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meatloaf:

1 Onion, Chopped
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 cup Frozen Peas
3/4 cup Breadcrumbs
3 tsp Garlic, Minced
1 1/2 lb Beef, Ground
1 Large Egg
1/4 cup Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup Parsley, Chopped
1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1 1/2 lb Potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
4 tbsp Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

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Instructions

Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant. Remove them from the heat and let cool slightly.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, frozen peas, breadcrumbs, egg, tomato sauce, parsley, BBQ sauce, and salt and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a sturdy spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape and Bake Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Mash Potatoes: Add butter, heavy whipping cream, and salt and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Top Meatloaf with Potatoes and Cheese: After the initial baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake Until Golden: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese!

Notes

To add extra flavor, try mixing grated Parmesan into the mashed potatoes.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help retain its shape.
You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance to save time.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 130mg