If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine, the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe is an absolute gem. Imagine a comforting meatloaf, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and crowned with gooey, golden cheddar—this is a hearty, nostalgic dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings. It’s a fuss-free way to blend classic flavors into a layered casserole that’s not just delicious, but deeply satisfying and family-friendly.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe is how every ingredient plays a vital role. Each one adds rich flavor, tender texture, or vibrant color, so taking a moment to use quality staples really pays off in the final result.

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for just the right mix of tenderness and flavor—perfect for a juicy, hearty meatloaf base.
Breadcrumbs: They soak up the juices and help the meatloaf hold together beautifully—use plain or Italian-style for extra flavor.
Egg: The ultimate binder that ensures your loaf slices cleanly and stays together.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates a softer, more delicate crumb in both the meatloaf and the mashed potatoes.
Onion: Finely chopped onion melts right in, giving every bite savory depth.
Garlic: Two cloves minced bring a subtle kick—go fresh for best results.
Ketchup: It brings classic tang and rounds out the savoriness of the beef.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon goes a long way for boosting umami and richness.
Salt: Essential to bring out the flavors in every layer.
Black pepper: A little warmth for that final balance in the seasoning.
Potatoes: Use Yukon Golds or Russet for the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potato topping.
Butter: Creamy butter makes the potatoes irresistibly rich and smooth.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a bubbly, cheesy layer you’ll crave every time.
Parsley: Optional, but a fresh sprinkle adds color and a pop of herby brightness.

How to Make Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray so the meatloaf will release easily and clean-up will be a breeze later on. While the oven comes to temperature, gather all your ingredients—this makes the entire Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe come together smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat—overmixing can make the loaf dense instead of tender.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Base

Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll see the top start to brown and the edges pulling away—your kitchen will already smell amazing at this stage!

Step 4: Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

While the meatloaf bakes, peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–18 minutes. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot. Mash with butter and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The secret to creamy mashed potatoes is to mash while they’re hot and don’t skimp on the butter!

Step 5: Layer and Top with Cheese

When the meatloaf has finished its first bake, take it out of the oven but keep the oven warm. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer, making sure to cover all the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes. This step is what transforms this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe into a truly comforting, casserole-style meal.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes or until the cheese has melted into golden, bubbly perfection. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes out of the oven; this helps everything set up for clean slicing.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

For a finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Slice into hearty squares and serve up your Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe while it’s warm and cheesy!

How to Serve Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of bright green parsley on top adds fantastic color contrast and a hint of herbiness. For a little zing, you can also try a drizzle of extra ketchup or hot sauce, or dust with a pinch of smoked paprika to catch the eye and add even more flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is truly a meal on its own, but you can pair it with simple steamed vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or even roasted green beans. The freshness and crunch from a veggie side lend a lovely contrast to the creamy, cheesy layers of the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight dinner, just slice and serve straight from the baking dish. If you want to dress it up, use a round biscuit cutter to create individual stacks on plates and top each with a tiny mound of crispy onions or microgreens. For potlucks, just cut into squares and arrange on a platter for an inviting, rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers well in plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavor only gets better as the layers meld together. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll be thrilled to find for lunch the next day!

Freezing

The Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Cool the dish completely, then wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil or plastic wrap. For best results, freeze before you add parsley, and it will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot throughout. A splash of milk over the potatoes before reheating helps them stay creamy. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or parsley on top if you want to revive that just-baked appeal.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Just make sure to check for doneness as the cook time may differ slightly, and consider adding a splash more milk for extra moisture.

What’s the best cheese to use for the topping?

Cheddar cheese is classic for this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a pepper jack for a little kick. Choose a cheese that melts well and you can’t go wrong.

Can I add vegetables to the layers?

Definitely! A layer of frozen peas, corn, or spinach between the meatloaf and potatoes creates a complete, one-dish meal. Just sprinkle your chosen veggies over the cooked meatloaf before spreading on the mashed potatoes.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking into the meatloaf?

Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after the first bake to set the top. Spread the mashed potatoes carefully and gently; this helps keep the layers distinct and picture-perfect.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatloaf mixture, and you’ll have a gluten-free version that tastes every bit as delicious as the classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe a try. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes ordinary evenings feel special and brings plenty of joy to the table. Gather your ingredients and enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite—you’re in for a real treat!

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines flavorful meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

1½ pounds ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
½ cup milk
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)
½ cup milk
¼ cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Meatloaf: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Press into the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Make the Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble and Bake: Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let rest, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.