Name: Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred); 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or leftover); 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp butter; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the best flavors of a classic dinner, you have to try this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe. This layered delight offers a juicy, flavorful meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese, bringing nostalgia and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises crowd-pleasing goodness that’s easy to prepare yet feels special enough for any occasion.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is simple but crucial to achieving the perfect balance in this dish. Each component brings its own texture, flavor, and color, ensuring every mouthful is a winner.

Ground beef (1 lb, 85/15 preferred): The rich base of our meatloaf, providing juiciness and meaty flavor.
Plain breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Help bind the meat together and keep it tender.
Milk (1/3 cup): Adds moisture to the meat mixture, preventing it from drying out.
Egg (1): Another binder that gives structure without heaviness.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds tangy sweetness that brightens the meatloaf’s flavor.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses subtle garlicky warmth.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances the savory profile with a gentle onion kick.
Salt and black pepper (1/2 tsp each): Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together.
Mashed potatoes (3 cups, prepared or leftover): Smooth and creamy, these form the comforting middle layer.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tanginess and silkiness to the mashed potatoes.
Butter (2 tbsp): Boosts richness and smooths out the potatoes.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): The crowning glory—melts into a golden, bubbly topping.
Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green freshness to brighten the dish when serving.

How to Make Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze later on.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf Layer

Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a firm but even layer. Place it in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges start to brown slightly and it’s beginning to set.

Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potato Layer

While the meatloaf bakes, warm the mashed potatoes in a saucepan or microwave. Stir in the sour cream and butter until silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the potatoes are creamy and flavorful.

Step 5: Layer the Mashed Potatoes on the Meatloaf

Once the meatloaf layer has baked, carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Take your time to create a smooth layer, covering the meat thoroughly to create that satisfying contrast of textures we all love.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping and Final Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the mashed potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese melts completely and bubbles with a golden color.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Allow the dish to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape. Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Now, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling some fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a stunning color contrast but also a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire dish. A drizzle of extra ketchup or a smear of mustard on the side can also add a tangy twist to each bite.

Side Dishes

This comfort classic stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted carrots adds brightness and balances the richness. A side of buttered corn or sautéed mushrooms also complements the creamy and cheesy layers.

Creative Ways to Present

You can present this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings or create a large family-style casserole. For a fun twist, try layering in muffin tins for easy handheld portions at potlucks or picnics. No matter how you serve it, expect happy smiles and full bellies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, and it reheats beautifully with just a few minutes in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, this dish freezes well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing that savory charm.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the mashed potatoes creamy and the cheese melted perfectly. Microwaving works too—just cover to prevent drying out and reheat in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well but might need a little extra moisture like an additional tablespoon of milk or a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.

Can I make homemade mashed potatoes for the recipe?

Definitely, homemade mashed potatoes work wonderfully and will add extra creaminess and freshness. Just be sure they’re well-seasoned and not too runny for the best layering effect.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What kind of cheese works best for the topping?

Sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe because of its bold flavor and meltability. However, you can mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or use Colby jack for a milder taste.

Can I prepare this dish completely ahead of time and bake later?

You can assemble the meatloaf and mashed potato layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, bake as directed with a slightly longer cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully cozy and satisfying about this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe that it quickly becomes a favorite for weeknight dinners and special family gatherings alike. It’s simple to make, endlessly comforting, and every layer brings warmth and joy to the table. I truly encourage you to whip up this dish soon—you’ll be amazed how such humble ingredients come together into a memorable meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese is a hearty, layered casserole featuring a savory ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines classic flavors in an easy-to-make baked dish that’s satisfying and delicious.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Press Meat into Dish: Evenly spread the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the meatloaf layer starts to set.
Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, warm the mashed potatoes in a separate bowl. Stir in the sour cream and butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Layer Mashed Potatoes: Carefully spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the baked meatloaf layer, smoothing the top evenly.
Add Cheese and Bake Again: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest, Garnish, and Serve: Let the dish cool for 5 to 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Slice into portions and serve warm.

Notes

You can use leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made ones for this recipe.
Adjust seasonings in the meatloaf to your preference, adding herbs or spices if desired.
For a lower-fat option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use reduced-fat cheese.
If you prefer, add a layer of sautéed onions or vegetables between the meatloaf and mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the layers set for cleaner slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American