Classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Meatloaf with mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. This classic American dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With juicy, flavorful meatloaf paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a meal that satisfies the whole family. In this comprehensive recipe, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, offering tips and tricks to ensure that your meatloaf and mashed potatoes come out perfect every time.

Ingredients

For the Classic Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon parsley (optional for garnish)

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk (or more, to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic (optional for added flavor)
• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it’s the perfect temperature for baking the meatloaf.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds of ground beef with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and parsley (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. Make sure not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf dense.

3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf form. You can also use a loaf pan if you prefer a more structured shape.

4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.

5. Glaze the Meatloaf: Brush the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure the entire surface is covered, as the glaze will add a nice sweetness and tang to the meatloaf.

6. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Baking time can vary depending on the size of your loaf and the oven’s accuracy, so be sure to check with a meat thermometer.

7. Rest the Meatloaf: Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more moist and flavorful.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and Boil the Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

2. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can also use a potato ricer or food mill.

3. Add Butter and Milk: To the mashed potatoes, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of whole milk. Continue mashing or stirring until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. You can adjust the amount of milk depending on your desired consistency. If you like garlic in your mashed potatoes, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot while boiling the potatoes or sauté it lightly in butter before mixing it in.

4. Season and Serve: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. For added flavor, garnish with fresh chives or parsley. You can serve the mashed potatoes alongside the meatloaf, ensuring every bite is indulgent and comforting.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh breadcrumbs made from day-old bread or store-bought breadcrumbs will provide the best texture and flavor for your meatloaf. Fresh herbs (such as parsley and thyme) also elevate the dish.
• Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf: When mixing the meatloaf, be gentle. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense loaf. Simply mix until the ingredients are combined.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest after baking to ensure juicy, tender slices. This step is key to retaining the moisture in the meat.
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to play with the glaze. Add a bit of hot sauce or use barbecue sauce in place of ketchup for a different flavor profile.
• Make Extra Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a family favorite, and they reheat well. You can even make extra to have leftovers for the next meal.

Nutrition Information

While comfort foods like meatloaf with mashed potatoes aren’t typically known for being “light,” this meal offers substantial amounts of protein and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded choice for a filling dinner. By using lean ground beef (80% lean) and whole milk in moderation, this recipe strikes a balance between indulgence and nourishment.

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 per serving (meatloaf and mashed potatoes)
• Protein: 25-30g per serving (from meatloaf)
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g per serving (from mashed potatoes)
• Fat: 20-25g per serving

Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

• Comforting: There’s no meal more comforting than classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple, even for novice cooks. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.
• Versatile: You can customize the meatloaf by adding veggies like bell peppers or carrots or using ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. The mashed potatoes can be adjusted to your taste with different seasonings, or you can add cheese for extra richness.
• Leftovers: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes taste great as leftovers, and they can be easily reheated for the next day’s meal.

Conclusion

This classic meatloaf with mashed potatoes recipe is a timeless favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or to impress guests, the juicy meatloaf paired with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes will hit the spot every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a meal that satisfies all cravings for comfort food.