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Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

A hearty comfort-food casserole with a savory meatloaf base, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and a golden melted cheese topping.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Layer
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Mashed Potato Layer
  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives chopped

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish lightly greased
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 large pot for boiling potatoes
  • 1 potato masher
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 instant-read thermometer recommended

Method
 

Prepare the Potatoes
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Place the peeled potato chunks in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Make the Meatloaf Layer
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
  2. Mix gently until just combined, then press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Mashed Potatoes and Assemble
  1. Drain the cooked potatoes well. Mash with the butter, milk or half-and-half, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  2. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, then top with the crumbled bacon.
Bake and Serve
  1. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the meat layer is fully cooked and reaches 160°F in the center and the cheese is melted and golden in spots.
  2. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.

Notes

For tender meatloaf, mix the beef gently and do not overwork it. Drain the potatoes well before mashing so the topping stays fluffy. Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner layers.