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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup (120ml) milk - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper The heart of this dish is the meatloaf. The ground beef gives it a nice texture. Breadcrumbs keep it moist and help it hold together. The onion and garlic add flavor, while cheddar cheese brings a cheesy twist. Milk helps blend everything perfectly. The egg acts as a binder, making sure it stays together. Worcestershire sauce gives a rich taste, and Italian herbs add a hint of warmth. Finally, salt and pepper make it all come alive. - 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream - 3 tablespoons butter For the mashed potatoes, I like to use large potatoes. They mash well and create a creamy texture. Sour cream adds a tangy flavor, making them rich. Butter gives them a smooth finish that everyone loves. - Chives for garnish (optional) To finish off your dish, add chives for a pop of color and freshness. You can also drizzle melted cheese over the meatloaf for an extra cheesy touch. If you want to spice things up, sprinkle some nutmeg in the potatoes for more flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating helps the meatloaf cook evenly. It’s like warming up your car before a drive; it just works better! In a large bowl, mix together these ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup (120ml) milk - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything. Be gentle and don’t overmix. This keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy! Next, transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan. Press it down evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). This means it's safe to eat! While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the potatoes. Take 4 large peeled and cubed potatoes and place them in a pot. Cover with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well. Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add in: - 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream - 3 tablespoons butter Mash everything until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step brings out the best flavors in your mashed potatoes. Once the meatloaf is done, let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, slice it up. Serve each slice with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. For a nice touch, you can garnish with chopped chives. This adds color and a fresh taste! To keep your meatloaf juicy, use a mix of ground beef and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs soak up moisture, creating a soft texture. Don't overmix the meat; this can make it tough. Instead, mix just until combined. Adding Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor. Let the meatloaf rest for ten minutes before slicing. This helps keep it moist. To make creamy mashed potatoes, start with starchy potatoes like Russets. Boil them until tender but not mushy. Drain well to remove excess water. Return them to the pot and mash with sour cream and butter. This creates a rich and smooth blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, use a potato ricer. Adding cheddar cheese to your meatloaf brings a delicious twist. The cheese melts and adds moisture and flavor. Mix it in with the meat before baking. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking. This gives a golden crust that's irresistible. For the mashed potatoes, consider adding cheese for a cheesy kick! Pro Tips Ingredient Freshness: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs and vegetables can significantly elevate the dish. Meatloaf Moisture: To keep your meatloaf moist, consider adding a layer of bacon on top before baking. This not only adds flavor but helps retain moisture. Mashed Potato Texture: For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a regular masher. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free texture. Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful slice. {{image_4}} If you want to change things up in your meatloaf, you can try different meats. Ground turkey or chicken works well too. You can also use pork for a richer taste. If you're looking for a meat-free option, lentils or black beans make a great base. For added flavor, mix in diced bell peppers or carrots. You can even replace breadcrumbs with oats or crushed crackers for a gluten-free version. Mashed potatoes are great with various cheese types. While cheddar cheese is a classic, you can use cream cheese for extra creaminess. Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor, while gouda gives a smoky taste. For a bold twist, try blue cheese. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique flavor profile. Just remember to adjust salt levels to match the cheese you choose. Seasonal ingredients can boost your dish. In fall, add roasted pumpkin or butternut squash to your mashed potatoes. During summer, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the flavors. In winter, consider using root vegetables like parsnips in your mash. For meatloaf, seasonal spices like sage or thyme can enhance taste. These small changes keep the dish fresh and exciting all year round. To store leftover meatloaf, let it cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic and then in foil. Frozen meatloaf can last up to three months. Store mashed potatoes in a clean, airtight container. Let them cool before sealing. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, put them in small portions. Use freezer-safe bags for easy thawing later. Mashed potatoes can be stored in the freezer for about two months. To reheat meatloaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. For mashed potatoes, use a microwave. Heat them in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a little milk or butter to keep them creamy. Cook the meatloaf for 60 to 70 minutes at 350°F. This time ensures it reaches 160°F inside. Use a meat thermometer for best results. You can serve a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or green beans. They add color and balance to the meal. Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it in the fridge. Shape it and bake it later. This saves time on busy days. Ground beef works best for meatloaf. It gives a rich flavor and good texture. You can mix in ground pork or turkey for variety. Add breadcrumbs and an egg to bind the meat. Avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture. This keeps it tender and helps it hold together. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for cheesy meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook both dishes perfectly. You learned tips for juicy meatloaf and creamy potatoes, plus some tasty variations. Proper storage and reheating methods will keep your meals fresh longer. Cooking can be simple and fun. With the right ingredients and techniques, you’ll impress anyone at your table. Enjoy these recipes as a comforting meal for family or friends. Keep experimenting to find your unique twist!

Cheesy Comfort: Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

A comforting dish featuring a savory meatloaf paired with creamy mashed potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking of the meatloaf.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan, pressing it evenly into the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • While the meatloaf is baking, place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
  • Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the sour cream and butter, and mash until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the meatloaf slices with a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Optionally, garnish with chopped chives for a fresh touch.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle melted cheese over the meatloaf before serving, and add a pinch of grated nutmeg to the mashed potatoes.
Keyword comfort food, mashed potatoes, meatloaf