🥩 Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
A comforting, classic dinner with a cheesy twist — juicy meatloaf baked to perfection and served with creamy mashed potatoes.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the meatloaf:
- 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for topping)
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled & chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup warm milk or cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a loaf pan.
2️⃣ Prepare Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Fold in shredded cheese.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the pan.
- Spread ketchup or tomato sauce evenly on top.
3️⃣ Bake Meatloaf
- Bake 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Optional: During the last 10 minutes, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a melty crust.
4️⃣ Make Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter and warm milk.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Serve
- Slice meatloaf and serve with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
- Optional: drizzle meatloaf pan juices or gravy over the potatoes.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Stuffed meatloaf: Add a layer of cheese or sautéed vegetables inside before shaping.
- Glaze twist: Mix ketchup with a little brown sugar or mustard for a sweet-savory topping.
- Make ahead: Assemble meatloaf a day in advance and bake before dinner.
- Healthier version: Use half ground turkey or lean beef and add finely grated vegetables for moisture.
If you want, I can provide a one-pan cheesy meatloaf with mashed potatoes recipe where the potatoes bake alongside the meatloaf for minimal cleanup.
Do you want me to do that?
