Name: Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 egg; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 cup ketchup; 3 cups mashed potatoes, prepared and seasoned; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Say hello to the kind of comfort food you’ll want on repeat all season long: Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole! Imagine all that savory, juicy meatloaf flavor, topped with a blanket of creamy, golden mashed potatoes and finished with gooey cheddar cheese. This dish takes everyone’s childhood favorite, meatloaf, and gives it a cozy twist by turning it into an oven-baked casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers to love, this satisfying bake brings big flavors, minimal fuss, and that irresistible home-cooked warmth.

Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this classic Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is that it relies on pantry staples and simple ingredients, each playing a key part in delivering the comfort factor. Here’s what you’ll need, including a few kitchen tips along the way!

Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): Opt for 80/20 for a juicy and flavorful base—leaner beef works, too, if you prefer.
Bread crumbs (1 cup): These help bind the meatloaf and keep it tender; use gluten-free if needed.
Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a touch of richness—whole or 2% both work great.
Egg (1): The perfect quick binder for the meat mixture.
Finely chopped onion (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and keeps the casserole tasting fresh.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Garlic’s savory punch infuses the meat throughout.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Don’t skimp here—it brings out all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough for a little kick without overpowering the dish.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): This earthy herb gives subtle depth to the meatloaf.
Ketchup (1/2 cup, plus more for topping): Classic meatloaf sweetness and tang—save extra to brush on top if you love that signature glaze.
Mashed potatoes (3 cups, prepared and seasoned): Store-bought or homemade, both are delicious—consider adding some sour cream or roasted garlic for extra flair.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gorgeous, slightly crisp topping—try extra-sharp for punch.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): This final sprinkle adds color and a fresh finish.

How to Make Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F—this is the ideal temperature to cook the meatloaf layer while keeping it juicy. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter. This step prevents sticking and helps with easy clean-up.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Layer

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and that essential 1/2 cup of ketchup. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together until well incorporated but not overworked—this keeps the meatloaf nice and tender. The mixture should be moist but able to hold its shape.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You’re looking for a smooth, even layer about an inch thick. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meat is mostly cooked through and feels firm to the touch. You might notice some juices in the pan—don’t worry, you’ll drain these before layering.

Step 4: Drain, Top with Mashed Potatoes, and Cheese

Using oven mitts and careful hands, drain off any excess grease from the meatloaf layer. Gently spread your prepared mashed potatoes right over the top, smoothing them out to cover every inch of the casserole. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the potatoes—this creates a melty, golden crown atop the Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop the casserole back into the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown at the edges. Give it a quick rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing all the layers to set. If you’re feeling a little fancy, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that final flourish.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole

Garnishes

For a pop of color and a fresh finish, a handful of chopped fresh parsley goes a long way. You can also drizzle a bit of extra ketchup or even a dollop of sour cream for added zing. Put a pepper grinder on the table for anyone who likes an extra sprinkle of black pepper on their serving.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole shines brightest with simple sides. Steamed green beans, buttered corn, or a fresh garden salad are classic choices that add crunch and color to your plate. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a big pan of roasted vegetables or even some homemade biscuits.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make this casserole in individual ramekins for dinner party-worthy personal portions, or cut it into tidy squares for buffet-style serving. For a rustic twist, bake and serve it straight from a cast iron skillet. If you want a bit of extra flair, pipe the mashed potatoes onto the meat layer with a pastry bag for a decorative, bakery-style top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole stores beautifully. Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or speedy dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap individual portions or the whole thing tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen, it lasts up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. For single servings, the microwave works great—heat in 1-minute increments until piping hot, but don’t overdo it to keep the potatoes fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this casserole?

Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes offer great convenience and taste surprisingly close to homemade in this dish. You can boost flavor by stirring in a bit of sour cream, roasted garlic, or extra butter before adding them on top.

What other meats can I use besides ground beef?

This recipe is super flexible. Ground turkey, chicken, or a blend of beef and pork will all yield tasty results. Just ensure whatever meat you use is cooked through and seasoned well before layering.

Is Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for binding the meat layer. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a crowd-pleaser for various diets.

Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, then add about 10 extra minutes to the initial bake time to account for the chill.

How do I keep the mashed potato layer fluffy, not gummy?

To keep the potatoes light, make sure they’re not overmixed or handled too much. If you’re making them from scratch, use a potato ricer or masher and add a splash of warm milk or cream. This helps keep the top layer soft and cloud-like every time!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the layers of savory, cozy goodness you get in Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparks second helpings, and transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. Try it this week—you might just find your new favorite comfort food tradition!

Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese in a satisfying layered casserole. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Layer:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup ketchup

Mashed Potato Layer:

3 cups mashed potatoes, prepared and seasoned
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare the meatloaf layer: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and ketchup. Mix well and press into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Add the mashed potatoes: Spread prepared mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer, sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Bake: Return casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted.
Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use store-bought mashed potatoes or make them fresh. For extra flavor, mix sour cream or garlic into the mashed potatoes.
Ground turkey or a beef/pork blend can be used as alternatives.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American