There are few meals that spell comfort quite like a classic meatloaf. Our recipe for Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes takes this beloved dish to a new level. Imagine a perfectly seasoned, incredibly moist meatloaf with a rich, tangy glaze, and a glorious melted cheese topping, served alongside fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. This isn’t just dinner; it’s the kind of satisfying meal that families remember and request again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the kitchen, this guide will help you create the ultimate comfort food experience right at home.
Why This Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The secret lies in a few key details: using a mix of cheeses for maximum flavor, a simple yet tangy glaze that complements the rich meat, and a method that guarantees a moist, tender result every single time. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special without requiring hours of complicated prep. It’s the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?”.
The Key Ingredients for Your Cheesy Meatloaf
Making a truly memorable cheesy meatloaf starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life.
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Simple Tangy Glaze
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
If you’re looking for an alternative topping, a rich rich mushroom gravy (coming soon) also pairs beautifully with this meatloaf.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Follow these simple steps for a flawless comfort food dinner. We’ll start with the potatoes, as they can simmer while you prepare the main event.
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain them well and return them to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate any excess moisture. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the softened butter, warmed heavy cream, and milk. Stir until everything is combined and the potatoes are creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a shallow baking dish. Shape it into a free-form loaf, about 9×5 inches. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Glaze and Cheese
While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder in a small bowl to create the glaze. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar and the 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Pro Tips for the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Meatloaf
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the meat will result in a dense, tough loaf.
- Choose the Right Fat Content: Using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef provides enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
- Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender slice.
- Free-Form Baking: Shaping the loaf on a baking sheet allows the fat to render away and helps the glaze caramelize on all sides, unlike a traditional loaf pan.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Try using a mix of ground pork and beef for extra flavor, or add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mixture. For a different flavor profile, swap the cheddar for smoked Gouda or pepper jack. If you’re looking for a low-carb side, consider serving this with our popular cheesy cauliflower patties instead of potatoes.
What to Serve with Your Comfort Food Masterpiece
While this Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a complete meal, a simple green vegetable complements it perfectly. Consider serving it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a side of perfectly roasted summer squash (coming soon). A simple green salad also works wonderfully.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making meatloaf! Store any remaining meatloaf and mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. Leftover meatloaf also makes fantastic sandwiches the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it into a loaf, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge.
The key to a moist meatloaf is using ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20), adding moisture-rich ingredients like milk and eggs, and being careful not to overmix the meat. Letting it rest for 10 minutes after baking also helps lock in the juices.
It is not necessary to cover this meatloaf while baking. Baking it uncovered on a baking sheet allows the exterior to brown nicely and helps the glaze to caramelize properly.
For ground beef, the safe internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf to ensure it’s cooked through perfectly without being overcooked.
We love a combination of sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and mozzarella for its excellent melting quality. However, you can also use Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack to customize the flavor.
The Perfect Cheesy Meatloaf Awaits!
This recipe for Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is more than just food; it’s a feeling of warmth and satisfaction. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table and leaves them smiling. We hope you love making it as much as we do. If you try it, let us know how it turned out in the comments below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Cheesy Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain well and return to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate excess moisture. Mash until smooth.
- Add softened butter, warmed heavy cream, and milk. Stir until creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then cover to keep warm.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes.
- While baking, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder for the glaze.
- After 45 minutes, spread the glaze over the meatloaf. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the mashed potatoes.
Notes
Choose the Right Fat Content: 80/20 ground beef provides the best flavor and moisture.
Let It Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing keeps it juicy.
