If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of juicy, savory meatloaf topped with layers of velvety mashed potatoes and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, creating a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every incredible meal starts with great ingredients, and this Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is no exception. Each item plays a starring role to bring texture, richness, and bright flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
- 1 Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to soften.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps gently cook the onions and garlic without burning.
- ½ cup frozen peas: Bursts of color and mild sweetness for a fun veggie touch.
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs: Binds the meat mixture while keeping it tender.
- 3 tsp garlic, minced: Infuses lovely aromatic flavor with every bite.
- 1 ½ lb ground beef: The hearty foundation of our meatloaf, rich and savory.
- 1 large egg: Holds all ingredients together for a cohesive loaf.
- ¼ cup tomato sauce: Adds moisture and tangy undertones.
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped: Freshens the mix with bright herbal notes.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce: A touch of smoky sweetness for an irresistible flavor twist.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 ½ lb potatoes, peeled and cubed: The creamy base for our cheesy mashed potatoes topping.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the mashed potatoes luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds creaminess and depth to the potatoes.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly on top, delivering that cheesy golden crust we all love.
How to Make Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
To start, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready. This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly, locking in all those wonderful flavors and juices.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently cook your chopped onions and minced garlic until they turn soft and fragrant, usually around 3-5 minutes. This step not only softens the veggies but also mellows the garlic’s sharpness to perfectly complement the meat.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a big bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic with the ground beef, frozen peas, breadcrumbs, egg, tomato sauce, parsley, BBQ sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to knead everything until it’s mixed evenly—this helps distribute the flavors and bind the ingredients so your loaf stays together beautifully.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Form the mixture into a hearty loaf shape and place it into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake this lovely creation in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the meat starts to firm up and develop a delicious crust.
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf bakes, cook the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water. They should be tender within 15 to 20 minutes, ready to become the creamy topping that makes this recipe so special.
Step 6: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes well, then add butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper. Mash them together until creamy and smooth—these cheesy mashed potatoes are what will give your meatloaf that irresistible, comforting finish.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake with Topping
Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, take it out and gently spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the potatoes, then pop the whole dish back into the oven for another 20 minutes. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden topping that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
After baking, let your Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier. Then serve warm and watch smiles appear around your table.
How to Serve Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a touch of brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the meatloaf and cheesy potatoes. A light drizzle of BBQ sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also add an exciting tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe is already a complete meal but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables can add freshness and variety to your plate. Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach are excellent choices to complement the hearty meatloaf without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the meatloaf in individual ramekins layered with the cheesy mashed potatoes on top. Or, slice the loaf, stack it, and add an extra sprinkle of cheese and chopped herbs, then broil just briefly for an impressive presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping all the flavors intact.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this comforting dish another day, it freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags or containers. When frozen, it can keep well for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the texture of the meatloaf and keeps the cheesy potatoes creamy. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts to avoid drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works perfectly in this Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Just be mindful that turkey can dry out more quickly, so keep an eye on the baking time and consider adding a bit more moisture if needed.
What kind of cheese can I use if I don’t have cheddar?
While cheddar melts wonderfully and gives a sharp, creamy flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt or gouda for a smoky twist. Each will add a delicious touch to your cheesy mashed potatoes.
Is it okay to prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatloaf up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate it. Just add the mashed potatoes and cheese topping right before baking to ensure the freshest flavor and texture.
Can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk or broth instead of heavy cream. The texture might be slightly different, but the dish will still be creamy and comforting.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), your meatloaf is perfectly cooked and ready for the mashed potato topping.
Final Thoughts
This Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty meal that brings joy to any table, with simple ingredients combining into something truly special. So why not gather your loved ones and give this recipe a go? I promise it’ll feel like a little celebration of home-cooked goodness every time you take a bite.
Print
Meatloaf with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Ground beef mixed with aromatic onions, garlic, peas, and a blend of sauces is baked to perfection, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese for a rich, satisfying finish.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mashed Potatoes & Topping
- 1 ½ lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while preparing other ingredients to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chopped onions and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic with ground beef, frozen peas, breadcrumbs, egg, tomato sauce, parsley, BBQ sauce, and salt & pepper. Knead together with your hands until the mixture is well combined and uniform.
- Shape and Bake Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, place the cubed potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain.
- Mash Potatoes: Add butter, heavy whipping cream, and salt and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Topping: Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake With Topping: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adding frozen peas adds a nice touch of sweetness and texture to the meatloaf.
- Feel free to use smoked cheddar cheese for an extra depth of flavor.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain its juices and shape.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
