🥩🧀 Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
A hearty comfort-food casserole featuring juicy seasoned meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes and plenty of melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
¾ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the mashed potato topping:
3 cups mashed potatoes, prepared
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional topping:
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the meatloaf mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
Bake the meatloaf:
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. If using the optional topping, mix ketchup and brown sugar and spread it over the meatloaf. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
Prepare the potatoes:
While the meatloaf cooks, combine the mashed potatoes with butter and milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in ½ cup cheddar and the Parmesan.
Add the mashed potatoes:
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. If there is excess grease, drain it carefully. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf.
Top with cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar over the potatoes.
Finish baking:
Return to the oven uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.
Optional browning:
For a golden, bubbly top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Rest and serve:
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
🍽️ Tip
For extra-creamy mashed potatoes, use warm milk and plenty of butter. A little chopped parsley or green onion sprinkled over the finished dish adds a fresh touch.
