Meatloaf Casserole Mashed Potatoes (Printable)
Savory meatloaf base with vegetables, topped with buttery mashed potatoes and cheddar for ultimate comfort food.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
02 - 1/2 lb ground pork
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
06 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
→ Pantry and Dairy
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
13 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1 tsp kosher salt
15 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
16 - Nonstick cooking spray
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly, return to the pot, and mash with milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
03 - While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
05 - Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the frozen mixed vegetables in an even layer over the meat.
06 - Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the vegetable layer, smoothing into an even, uniform layer across the entire dish.
07 - Drizzle additional ketchup over the mashed potato layer, then sprinkle evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
09 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing into portions and serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It takes the comfort of meatloaf and turns it into a one dish meal that feeds six without any side dishes required.
- The mashed potato layer on top gets golden edges and a creamy center that makes every bite feel like a reward.
02 -
- Mixing the meat too long makes it tough and rubbery, so stop as soon as everything is evenly combined.
- Letting the casserole rest is not optional because cutting into it too early means the layers bleed together and the whole thing falls apart on the plate.
03 -
- Saving a small handful of cheese to stir directly into the mashed potatoes before spreading them adds a layer of richness that nobody will expect.
- Running a fork across the top of the mashed potato layer before baking creates ridges that crisp up and give you the best texture contrast in every bite.