If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that delivers on flavor, heartiness, and pure cheesy delight, this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe is the answer. Imagine juicy, savory meatloaf crowned with an irresistibly creamy layer of mashed potatoes, and finished with a golden, bubbling blanket of cheddar. It’s an all-in-one meal that pleases picky eaters and food lovers alike, and it’s always a hit on busy weeknights or around the Sunday table. Prepare to fall in love with every melt-in-your-mouth bite of this classic-with-a-twist recipe, which is destined to become your family’s new favorite.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe is how each simple ingredient brings something special to the table. From the meaty richness of beef to the creamy blanket of potatoes and the signature sharpness of cheddar, every bite is a beautiful harmony of taste and texture.

Ground Beef: The star of the show—use 80% lean for that perfect balance of juicy and flavorful!
Breadcrumbs: Holds everything together and helps your meatloaf stay tender, not dense.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the loaf for that delightful soft bite.
Egg: An essential binder that keeps your meatloaf from falling apart.
Onion (finely chopped): Gives sweetness and depth—chop it small so it blends right in.
Garlic (minced): A pop of savory flavor that makes every bite sing.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings in umami goodness that takes the flavor over the top.
Salt and Black Pepper: The classic duo for balanced seasoning throughout.
Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness, both inside and as a glossy topping.
Mashed Potatoes (prepared): The decadent creamy layer that transforms this into the ultimate comfort food.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey crust—feel free to swap for pepper jack for a kick!
Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh pop of green at the end for color and a touch of brightness.

How to Make Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a loaf pan or a 9×9 baking dish. This little step is crucial—it keeps your glorious meatloaf from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze so the cheesy parts stay where you want them: on your plate!

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

Grab a big bowl and combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Gently mix just until everything is blended. Overmixing can make your loaf dense, so a gentle hand is key. You want all those ingredients to work together to create the ideal meaty bite.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Press the meat mixture evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top for uniform cooking. Slide it into the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. At this point, your kitchen will already smell so inviting, you’ll wish you could sneak a bite!

Step 4: Layer on the Potatoes and Cheese

Carefully pull the pan from the oven and grab your prepared mashed potatoes. Spread them gently over the partially baked meatloaf, using a spatula for a smooth, thick layer. Now sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top—don’t be shy! Pop it back in the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches 160°F and the cheese is beautifully melted and golden.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Patience is rewarded here. Let your Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps all the layers set perfectly, making every serving neat and drool-worthy. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant flourish.

How to Serve Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley right over the top. It’s more than just good looks—the pop of green really livens up every plate. You might also try a few thinly sliced green onions or a touch of cracked black pepper for a touch of extra zest.

Side Dishes

Because this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe is hearty on its own, you don’t need much on the side. A simple, crisp green salad or roasted green beans rounds everything out beautifully, and a side of steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that the whole table loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual mini loaves in ramekins, or use a ring mold to give each guest their own perfectly layered serving. You can also drizzle a little extra ketchup or barbecue sauce across the top for a gourmet touch, or sprinkle crumbled bacon over the melted cheese—pure magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occasion in my home), simply let the meatloaf cool completely. Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next-day lunch extra tempting.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe! Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. The microwave works too; just use 50 percent power to avoid drying out the potatoes or cheese. Add a splash of milk on top for extra creaminess if you like.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While cheddar brings that sharp tang we all adore, feel free to swap in mozzarella for extra meltiness or pepper jack if you’re craving something spicier. Mix and match for your own cheesy signature twist.

What kind of potatoes should I use for the topping?

Yukon Golds are my favorite for this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe, thanks to their creamy texture and rich flavor. Russets work great too, or go for store-bought instant potatoes when you’re in a hurry.

How can I make the meatloaf gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones, and double-check the Worcestershire sauce label to ensure there’s no hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes—assemble the meatloaf and store it (unbaked) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes as needed. This is perfect for stress-free entertaining or busy weeknights.

What’s the secret to keeping meatloaf moist?

The combination of milk, breadcrumbs, and egg in this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe ensures every slice stays irresistibly moist. Be careful not to overbake, and always let it rest before slicing so the juices redistribute throughout.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your loved ones and treat yourself to a true comfort food experience, the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe is calling your name. With its luscious layers and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dinner!

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese recipe. Perfectly seasoned ground beef topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)

For the Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a loaf pan or 9×9 baking dish.
Prepare the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Mix until just combined. Press the meat mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Add the toppings: Remove from the oven and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked.
Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use instant mashed potatoes for a quicker version.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack.
Enhance the flavor by adding ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf layer before adding potatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American