Classic Comfort: Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this timeless recipe for Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish combines the savory goodness of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be serving up a satisfying and delicious meal in no time.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 onion, chopped
1 ½ pounds ground beef
¾ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup tomato sauce
1 large egg
¼ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup frozen peas
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

4 tablespoons butter
1 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Meatloaf:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, egg, BBQ sauce, frozen peas, chopped parsley, sautéed garlic, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on top.
Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with mashed potatoes and cheese.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

Boil Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the peeled and chopped potatoes with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and heavy whipping cream. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with Sauces: Customize the flavor of your meatloaf by using different sauces or seasonings, such as Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, or steak sauce.
Cheesy Topping: For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a lighter option.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and mashed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, simply assemble the meatloaf, bake, and reheat the mashed potatoes.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, both the meatloaf and mashed potatoes can be frozen for later enjoyment. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Q: How can I make a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: To make a keto-friendly version, replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and omit the BBQ sauce or use a sugar-free alternative.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour and use sugar-free BBQ sauce. Serve the mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice instead.
Low-Carb Version: Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor. Replace potatoes with mashed cauliflower or steamed broccoli.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delicious recipe for Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese. With its savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner at home or hosting a gathering with loved ones, this hearty meal is guaranteed to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a classic comfort food masterpiece!