Beef Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, savory seasonings, and a flavorful sauce, all baked into a moist and tender loaf. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is a perfect, satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special gathering, or a weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
In this recipe, we will walk you through every step to prepare a delicious beef meatloaf, accompanied by fluffy mashed potatoes that complement the savory richness of the meat. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Beef Meatloaf:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (ideally 80% lean for a juicier result)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko for a lighter texture)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (plus extra for glazing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky touch)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (preferably Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy texture)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for added creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Beef Meatloaf:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a greased loaf pan for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika. Mix the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon, making sure not to overwork the meat to keep it tender. The mixture should be cohesive but still slightly loose.
Once the meat mixture is well combined, transfer it to your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet. If you prefer a slightly crispier exterior, baking it on the sheet is a good option. Shape the loaf to about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, or adjust the size based on your pan or preference.
2. Prepare the Glaze:
If you’re using a glaze, mix together 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once the meatloaf is assembled, spread a generous layer of the glaze on top of the meatloaf.
The glaze will give the meatloaf a shiny, sweet-tangy finish and enhance its flavor. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can simply top the meatloaf with ketchup, but the glaze adds an extra layer of complexity.
3. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). If you’re using a glaze, you can apply an additional layer halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the top is nicely coated and caramelized.
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful loaf.
4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
While the meatloaf is baking, you can prepare the mashed potatoes. Begin by peeling and cutting the potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. This allows any excess moisture to evaporate, which helps make the mashed potatoes creamy.
5. Mash the Potatoes:
Add the butter to the drained potatoes and mash them using a potato masher, or for an ultra-smooth texture, you can use a potato ricer. Gradually add the milk and continue mashing until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. If you want extra creamy mashed potatoes, you can add sour cream at this stage.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a final mash to ensure everything is well incorporated. For a garnish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the mashed potatoes to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
6. Serve:
Once the meatloaf has rested and the mashed potatoes are ready, it’s time to serve. Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and plate it alongside a generous serving of mashed potatoes. You can drizzle any remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor. If you like, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Possible Variations
Though the traditional Beef Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is always a hit, there are several ways to personalize the recipe to suit your taste:
- Meatloaf with Bacon: For a smokier flavor, you can add cooked, crumbled bacon to the meatloaf mixture. Bacon adds richness and a savory crunch to each bite.
- Vegetarian Meatloaf: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and grains for a vegetarian meatloaf. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: For a cheesy twist, consider stuffing your meatloaf with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. This gooey surprise in the middle will take your meatloaf to the next level.
- Spicy Meatloaf: If you enjoy spicy food, add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture to give it a kick.
- Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to make the meatloaf gluten-free.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: If you’re a garlic lover, consider adding roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
- Do Not Overmix the Meat: While mixing the meatloaf, avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Use Ground Beef with Some Fat: Ground beef with around 15-20% fat content works best for meatloaf, as it helps keep the meat moist and tender. Lean ground beef can lead to a dry meatloaf.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps the juices settle, making the meatloaf more flavorful and juicy when sliced.
- Check the Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (70°C) for it to be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Customize the Glaze: The glaze can be adapted to suit your taste. You can add brown sugar for sweetness, mustard for tang, or even barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but you can add a variety of sides to complement the dish:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the meatloaf with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.
- Steamed Asparagus: Asparagus adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and hearty meatloaf.
- Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can help cut through the richness of the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
- Gravy: For extra comfort, you can make a savory gravy to pour over the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Beef Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, flavorful meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to please your family and guests. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, you can’t go wrong with this hearty, delicious combo.
This recipe is also great for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and reheated easily. You can even freeze leftover meatloaf for a quick and easy meal later. Enjoy!