Cheesy Meatloaf over Mashed

There’s something deeply comforting about a slice of cheesy meatloaf paired with creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe takes the classic meatloaf to the next level by incorporating a gooey cheese center and topping it with a flavorful glaze.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup milk (warm)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatloaf:
     • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
     • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
     • Take half the meat mixture and press it into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
     • Create a slight indentation in the center and fill it with shredded cheese.
     • Cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to ensure the cheese doesn’t escape while baking.
  2. Make the Glaze:
     • In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
     • Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  3. Bake:
     • Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
     • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
     • While the meatloaf is baking, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
     • Drain the potatoes and mash them with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble and Serve:
     • Spoon a generous serving of mashed potatoes onto a plate.
     • Top with a slice of cheesy meatloaf, allowing the juices and melted cheese to cascade over the mashed potatoes.
     • Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
     • Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, you can mix a little garlic powder or sour cream into the mashed potatoes. If you want a tangy twist, try adding a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to the glaze.