Meatloaf Casserole (Printable)
Classic meatloaf flavors layered with mashed potatoes, tangy glaze and melted cheddar for a comforting family dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meat Mixture
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 lb ground pork
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1/3 cup milk
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Mashed Potato Layer
13 - 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
14 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 1/2 cup milk
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Sauce
17 - 1/2 cup ketchup
18 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
19 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
→ Topping
20 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
21 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
02 - Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for approximately 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly, then mash together with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Gently fold until evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
04 - Press the seasoned meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform flat layer.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread the sauce evenly across the surface of the meat layer.
06 - Carefully spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the sauced meat layer, spreading gently to cover completely without disturbing the sauce beneath.
07 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato surface, ensuring full coverage for a golden, bubbly finish.
08 - Bake uncovered on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling at the edges, the meat is cooked through, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
09 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the layers to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It takes the familiar comfort of meatloaf and turns it into something that feels special enough for guests without any extra effort.
- The mashed potato and cheese topping creates a golden crust that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a moment.
02 -
- Overmixing the meat mixture is the fastest way to end up with a dense, rubbery layer so stop as soon as everything looks evenly combined.
- Spreading the potatoes too aggressively will drag the sauce layer into the meat, so use gentle spoonfuls and work from the center outward.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before pressing the meat mixture into the dish and it will spread without sticking to your fingers.
- Letting the casserole rest the full ten minutes makes the difference between a clean slice and a collapsed mess on the plate.