If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish masterfully combines juicy, flavorful meatloaf layered underneath a luscious topping of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheddar. Every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become your go-to comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to this recipe’s magic—they bring rich flavors and satisfying textures that make every mouthful irresistible. From fresh aromatics to hearty staples, each item plays a key role in creating the perfect Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe.
- Onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base that infuses the meatloaf with mellow flavor.
- Olive oil: Used to soften the onions and garlic, enriching the dish with subtle earthiness.
- Frozen peas: Little bursts of color and sweetness that brighten the meatloaf.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meat together while keeping the texture tender and light.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Ground beef: The rich and juicy star of the meatloaf, full of hearty flavor.
- Large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything in place.
- Tomato sauce: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that elevates the meat mixture.
- Parsley, chopped: Adds fresh herbal brightness and a pop of green.
- BBQ sauce: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet note that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed: The base of the luscious mashed potato topping.
- Heavy whipping cream: Makes the mashed potatoes silky and creamy.
- Butter: Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel to the mash.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into a bubbling, golden blanket that crowns the dish beautifully.
How to Make Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and develops a beautiful crust that locks in all those savory juices.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation that will make your meatloaf truly mouthwatering.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic with ground beef, frozen peas, breadcrumbs, egg, tomato sauce, chopped parsley, BBQ sauce, and a seasoning of salt and pepper. Use your hands to knead everything together until it is fully incorporated and forms a uniform mixture. This is where those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the outside to firm up while the inside cooks just right.
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Cook them until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Properly cooked potatoes ensure smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes, perfect for the topping.
Step 6: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot. Add butter, heavy whipping cream, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash everything together until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy—the perfect counterpoint to the savory meatloaf below.
Step 7: Assemble the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the loaf, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. This layering creates that irresistible combination of hearty meat, velvety potatoes, and melty cheese you’re dreaming of.
Step 8: Final Bake for the Topping
Return the assembled dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and develop a golden crust, making the dish as visually enticing as it is delicious.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
After baking, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes—this helps the juices settle and makes slicing neater. Serve warm to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures in this classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe.
How to Serve Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite. A small drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side can also amplify the smoky sweetness you’ll love.
Side Dishes
While the meatloaf itself is a full meal, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli brings balance and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A glass of bold red wine or a cold craft beer also complements the savory depth beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve the meatloaf in slices with a generous scoop of the cheesy mashed potatoes beside it on each plate. Hosting guests? Present the whole loaf on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs, letting everyone help themselves for a casual, comforting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your leftover meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze both the baked meatloaf and mashed potato topping separately or together. Wrap tightly in foil and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual slices until warmed through. This keeps the cheese melty and the meat juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this meatloaf?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of pork and beef work well. Just remember cooking times might vary slightly with different meats.
What can I substitute for the BBQ sauce?
If you want a different flavor profile, ketchup or a mixture of tomato sauce and a little molasses makes a great alternative without compromising the dish’s moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this version is meat-based, you can experiment with mashed lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes as the loaf base for a vegetarian twist.
How do I get the mashed potatoes so creamy?
The combination of butter and heavy whipping cream gives the potatoes their rich creaminess. Be sure to mash them while still hot and add the cream gradually to reach the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe — it’s the kind of dish that feels like home in every bite. Its comforting layers of savory meat, smooth potatoes, and melted cheese come together to create a truly satisfying meal. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do; it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that warms hearts and fills bellies.
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Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese recipe combines juicy ground beef with flavorful herbs, vegetables, and a cheesy mashed potato topping. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
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 you prepare the ingredients. This ensures even cooking.
- Prepare Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. 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 everything together using 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 the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water.
- 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
- Make sure to let the onions and garlic cool slightly before mixing with the ground beef to prevent the egg from cooking prematurely.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- If desired, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat before assembling the topping.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps retain its juices and makes for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
