Description
This comforting Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese recipe features a juicy ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this layered casserole combines classic flavors with an easy preparation method that results in a satisfying, savory dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Mashed Potato Layer:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or leftover)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Press meat into the dish: Evenly spread the meat mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the meat begins to set.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: While the meat is baking, warm the mashed potatoes if they are cold. Stir in the sour cream and butter until creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the mashed potatoes: Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf layer, creating a smooth top layer.
- Add cheese and bake again: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest, garnish, and serve: Remove from oven and let the dish cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm for a delicious comforting meal.
Notes
- Use 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat content.
- If using leftover mashed potatoes, reheat and add sour cream and butter to refresh their creaminess.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For added flavor, mix some Worcestershire sauce or mustard into the meatloaf mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cheesy meatloaf casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, baked meatloaf
