Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese layers takes a beloved classic and turns it into the ultimate comfort food. Instead of serving meatloaf and mashed potatoes separately, this recipe combines them into one layered dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly. The savory meatloaf base is topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes and finished with melted cheese that turns golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s essentially a cross between traditional meatloaf and shepherd’s pie, with the gooey cheese making it even more indulgent. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday meals, this layered dish is easy to prepare, customizable with different cheeses or seasonings, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. With its layers of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness, this meatloaf variation will quickly become a household favorite.
Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Layers – Comfort Food Upgrade
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This hearty Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Layers is a comforting, layered casserole-style dish. Juicy meatloaf is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese, creating the ultimate family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a flat meatloaf layer.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, mix some shredded cheese directly into the mashed potatoes.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef serves as the hearty base of the dish, seasoned and baked into a flavorful loaf.
Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf while keeping it moist and tender.
Eggs act as a binder, ensuring the meat mixture holds together.
Onion and garlic add aromatic depth and savory flavor.
Milk keeps the meatloaf moist and enhances the texture.
Salt, pepper, and seasoning provide balance and bring out the flavors.
Mashed potatoes form the creamy middle layer, adding comfort and richness.
Butter and cream (used in the potatoes) make them smooth and flavorful.
Cheddar cheese creates a gooey, melty topping that turns golden under the broiler.
Parsley adds a fresh garnish and color contrast when serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Mix until just combined, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared dish to form the base layer. Bake until cooked through.
While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. Drain, then mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, or broil briefly for extra golden topping.
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, and baking requires 45–50 minutes, plus an additional 5 minutes for broiling. Total time is just over 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
BBQ Meatloaf Twist
Add BBQ sauce to the meat mixture and drizzle extra on top before baking.
Loaded Potato Layer
Mix bacon bits, green onions, or sour cream into the mashed potatoes.
Cheese Variations
Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda instead of cheddar.
Mini Meatloaf Cups
Assemble the recipe in muffin tins for individual servings.
Vegetable Boost
Mix finely chopped carrots, celery, or spinach into the meatloaf.
Spicy Kick
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Italian Style
Season with Italian herbs and top with mozzarella and marinara.
Low-Carb Option
Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.
Double Cheese
Add a layer of cheese between the meatloaf and potatoes.
Herb Garnish
Top with fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, though homemade potatoes give the best flavor and texture.
What’s the best cheese for topping?
Cheddar melts well, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack are also great.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works, but it may be leaner—add extra moisture.
Conclusion
Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and cheese layers is a hearty, comforting twist on a classic dish. With its savory beef base, creamy potato topping, and golden cheese crust, it brings together everything you love about comfort food in one satisfying bite. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or special gatherings, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
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