Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes Recipe Guide

There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic meatloaf served with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish brings back memories of Sunday dinners at home, where the whole family gathered around the table, savoring a hearty, home-cooked meal.

Meatloaf is a timeless American favorite, packed with rich flavors and a tender, juicy texture. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, and you have the ultimate comfort food—one that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion, this meatloaf with mashed potatoes is exactly what you need. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

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A good meatloaf is more than just a ground beef dish—it’s a tradition. What makes this recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors, from the savory blend of beef and seasonings to the slightly sweet and tangy glaze on top. The mashed potatoes? They’re smooth, buttery, and incredibly rich, complementing the meatloaf beautifully.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Flavorful and Moist: The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings ensures a perfectly juicy meatloaf every time.
• Perfectly Caramelized Glaze: A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a slightly sweet, tangy topping that enhances the savory flavors of the meat.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Buttery, smooth, and rich, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side to soak up all the delicious juices.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is great for both beginners and experienced cooks.

If you’ve ever had dry, bland meatloaf, you’re in for a treat. This recipe guarantees a flavorful, juicy result every single time.

Ingredients for Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

What You’ll Need

A great dish starts with quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need for both the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

For the Meatloaf:

• Ground beef – Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
• Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat together and keeps it from drying out.
• Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture.
• Milk – Adds tenderness to the meatloaf.
• Onion – Finely diced for a mild, savory flavor.
• Garlic – Minced for extra depth of flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami richness.
• Ketchup – Adds a slight sweetness and moisture to the meat mixture.
• Mustard – A touch of tanginess.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings.
• Paprika – Adds warmth and slight smokiness.

For the Meatloaf Glaze:

• Ketchup – The base of the glaze.
• Brown sugar – Adds a hint of caramelized sweetness.
• Dijon mustard – A bit of tang to balance the sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar – Brings brightness to the glaze.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• Russet potatoes – Best for creamy mashed potatoes.
• Butter – Adds rich flavor.
• Heavy cream or milk – Creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• Salt – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
• Garlic powder (optional) – Adds an extra depth of flavor.

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the time needed:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Perfect for a weekend dinner or meal prep for the week!

How to Make Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a flavorful meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes.

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

1. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
2. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
4. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. While the meatloaf is baking, peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks.
2. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
3. Drain and return to the pot.
4. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and mix well.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some great substitutions:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner meatloaf, swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken.
• Almond Milk or Oat Milk: If you’re dairy-free, replace milk with a non-dairy alternative.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Make this recipe gluten-free by using GF breadcrumbs.

These swaps ensure you can still enjoy a delicious meatloaf while accommodating dietary needs.

Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Pairing the right sides can elevate this meal. Here are three perfect side dishes:

1. Roasted Green Beans – A simple, crisp vegetable side to balance the richness.
2. Honey-Glazed Carrots – A touch of sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
3. Buttery Cornbread – A Southern classic that pairs beautifully with meatloaf.

These sides complete the meal and make dinnertime even more satisfying.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautifully presented dish makes the meal even more enjoyable. Here’s how to serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes in an appetizing way:

• Slice with Precision: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and ensures each slice holds its shape. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
• Create a Balanced Plate: Serve a thick slice of meatloaf alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Add a ladle of extra glaze over the meat for a glossy finish.
• Garnish for a Pop of Color: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the mashed potatoes for a fresh touch. A little cracked black pepper on top adds contrast.
• Use a Wide Plate: A spacious plate gives the meal a restaurant-style feel, preventing the sides from mixing too much.

A simple yet elegant presentation turns this comfort food into a meal that feels extra special.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Want to elevate your meatloaf and mashed potatoes to the next level? Here are some expert tips:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked meatloaf, ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Mix Gently: Overmixing the meat can result in a dense, tough texture. Use your hands or a spatula and mix just until everything is combined.
• Soak the Breadcrumbs: Before mixing, let the breadcrumbs soak in the milk for a few minutes. This helps create a more tender meatloaf.
• Roast the Garlic for the Mashed Potatoes: Instead of using garlic powder, roast whole garlic cloves in the oven and mash them into the potatoes for a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Make the Potatoes Extra Creamy: For ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher. It creates a light, fluffy texture.

A few simple tweaks can take this dish from good to unforgettable!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time:

• Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the meatloaf too soon will cause the juices to run out, leading to a dry result. Always let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
• Using Lean Meat: While lean meat is great for health-conscious eaters, meatloaf needs some fat for moisture. Use 80/20 ground beef for the best results.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoned meatloaf can be bland. Make sure to add enough salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for deep flavor.
• Overboiling the Potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they absorb excess water, leading to watery mashed potatoes. Drain them immediately when fork-tender.
• Not Mashing While Hot: If the potatoes cool before mashing, they become gummy. Mash them as soon as they are drained.

Following these tips ensures that your meatloaf and mashed potatoes turn out perfect every time!

How to Store It

Refrigerating:

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Mashed potatoes can also be stored in a separate airtight container for 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• Meatloaf: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
• Mashed Potatoes: Scoop portions into freezer-safe bags and flatten for even freezing. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove with extra butter or milk to restore creaminess.

Reheating:

• Oven: Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, adding a little milk or butter to the potatoes to keep them creamy.

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this dish for days without losing flavor or texture.

FAQ

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed.

2. What’s the best way to keep meatloaf moist?

Adding milk to the mixture and using 80/20 ground beef ensures a juicy texture. Also, don’t overbake—it dries out the meat.

3. Can I make mashed potatoes without dairy?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

4. Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

If your meatloaf crumbles, it likely needs more binders. Ensure you use enough eggs and breadcrumbs to hold everything together.

5. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead?

You can, but homemade mashed potatoes offer a richer, creamier taste. If using instant, add butter and seasoning to enhance the flavor.

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