Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes recipe. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish combines juicy, flavorful meatloaf topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 medium chopped onion
• 2 cloves chopped garlic
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds peeled and chopped potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix thoroughly.
3. Shape and Bake: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape in the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using). Spread the mixture over the meatloaf. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Make the Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, boil chopped potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain, return to the pot, and add milk and butter. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble and Broil: Once the meatloaf is done, spread mashed potatoes over the top and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

This Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this delicious dish!