This recipe combines the hearty flavor of classic meatloaf with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes and a blanket of melted cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food casserole for your family dinner.
Author:sarah_hearthbite
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:50 min
Total Time:75 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk (for potatoes)
4 tablespoons butter (for potatoes)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ketchup or preferred meatloaf glaze
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 cup milk, chopped onion, salt, pepper, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place the quartered potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well. Mash the potatoes with 4 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer in the baking dish.
Brush the top of the mashed potatoes with ketchup or your favorite meatloaf glaze.
Bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F or 71°C).
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you cut and serve this hearty weeknight dinner.
Notes
You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat slightly before topping the meatloaf layer for easier spreading.
For extra flavor, mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes.
This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C).