Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Topping: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Few dishes say “comfort food” like a hearty meatloaf. But when you top that meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, you’ve got a meal that’s irresistibly satisfying. This Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese Topping is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and deeply comforting. The layers of flavors—from the savory meatloaf to the fluffy potatoes and gooey cheese—make this dish an unforgettable crowd-pleaser.
.jpg)
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
½ cup milk
¼ cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheddar Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Steps
Prepare the Meatloaf:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
Form and Bake:
Mold the meat mixture into a loaf shape and carefully transfer it to a greased baking dish. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
While the meatloaf is baking, boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the water, then mash the potatoes with the milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Top the Meatloaf:
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Broil for a Golden Finish:
Turn your oven to broil and return the meatloaf to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown finish.
This meal is an easy-to-make yet impressive combination of flavors that will have your family or guests asking for seconds!