“I tried this for dinner last night, and WOW – the whole family was…”

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this cheesy meatloaf creation. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  1. All-in-One Comfort : Combines savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheese into one dish.
  2. Flavor-Packed : The meatloaf is seasoned to perfection, while the mashed potatoes add richness and creaminess.
  3. Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will love this hearty, cheesy twist on classic meatloaf.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare components ahead of time for stress-free weeknight cooking.
  5. Versatile : Serve it as a main course or bring it to potlucks—it’s always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this dish lies in its simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup whole milk (or cream for extra richness)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Cheesy Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up this ultimate comfort meal? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a deep casserole dish.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar. Spread half of this mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf

  1. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes . Remove from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes

  1. While the meatloaf bakes, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes , or until fork-tender. Drain well.
  2. Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

  1. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially baked meatloaf, creating a thick layer.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes.
  3. Drizzle the remaining ketchup-brown sugar mixture over the top for added flavor and a glossy finish.

Step 6: Finish Baking

  1. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) .

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite!



 

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