Description
A hearty and comforting Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese, featuring a flavorful beef mixture baked to perfection, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. This classic dish combines savory meatloaf with a cheesy, creamy potato topping for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 ½ lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 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 of the meatloaf.
- Prepare Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the chopped onions and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly for incorporation into the meat mixture.
- 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 the mixture well by hand until uniform and fully combined.
- 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 to begin cooking the meatloaf through.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a pot of boiling salted water. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes once cooked.
- Mash Potatoes: Add butter, heavy whipping cream, and salt and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash thoroughly until smooth and creamy, creating the perfect potato topping.
- Assemble Topping: Remove the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake With Topping: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape. Serve warm and enjoy this classic comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the onions and garlic are fully cooled before mixing with beef to prevent starting to cook the egg prematurely.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and absorb juices for a better texture.
- Using freshly grated cheddar cheese gives better melt and flavor than pre-shredded cheese which may contain anti-caking agents.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves slicing and serving presentation.
- For added flavor, you can use smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce in the meat mixture.
