Cheesy Mashed Potato-Topped Meatloaf Recipe
Introduction
This comforting meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese is a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners. It combines a flavorful meat base with creamy mashed potatoes and a bubbly cheddar topping for a classic crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 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
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or leftover)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just mixed.
- Step 3: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until partially cooked.
- Step 4: While the meatloaf is baking, warm the mashed potatoes in a saucepan or microwave. Stir in sour cream and butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the baked meatloaf layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mashed potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time or make fresh for creamier texture.
- Try mixing in chopped onions or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different cheesy finish.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, taking care to avoid drying out the mashed potatoes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and mashed potato layers in advance and refrigerate before baking. Add the cheese topping just before baking for best results.
What can I serve with this meatloaf?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
Print
Cheesy Mashed Potato-Topped Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty meatloaf with mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners. A savory ground beef meatloaf base is topped with creamy mashed potatoes mixed with sour cream and butter, then finished with a golden, cheesy crust. Easy to prepare and baked in a single dish, this recipe brings classic flavors and a satisfying texture combination.
Ingredients
For the 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the meatloaf and potatoes evenly.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently just until all ingredients are incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Press the meat mixture into the baking dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to form a uniform layer.
- Bake the meatloaf base: Place the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 20–25 minutes, allowing the meat layer to begin cooking through and firming up so it can support the layers above.
- Prepare the mashed potato layer: While the meatloaf bakes, warm the mashed potatoes in a microwave or stovetop until hot. Stir in the sour cream and butter until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf: Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the partially baked meatloaf layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer to create a rich, melty topping.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden, bubbly, and fully melted.
- Rest, garnish, and serve: Remove the baked meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Slice into squares and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use leftover mashed potatoes or prepare fresh ones for the potato layer.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or use reduced-fat cheese.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf but can be omitted for a gluten-free option by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- The baking dish size can be adjusted proportionally if needed, but thickness of layers will impact cooking time.
- Letting meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain moistness and cleaner slices.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley into the meat mixture for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf recipe, mashed potatoes, comfort food, cheesy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, family dinner
