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In the world of comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to the classic meatloaf paired with creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty meal not only evokes nostalgia but also offers a deliciously satisfying experience for the whole family. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this timeless dish, highlighting the ingredients, preparation steps, and the delightful flavors that come together to create a truly comforting meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our detailed guide will ensure your meatloaf is juicy and packed with flavor, while the mashed potatoes are smooth and buttery.

Classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Discover the ultimate comfort food with classic meatloaf paired with creamy mashed potatoes. This timeless dish combines juicy, flavorful meatloaf with buttery, smooth potatoes for a satisfying meal that evokes nostalgia. Our step-by-step guide walks you through selecting the right ingredients and preparation methods, ensuring perfect results every time. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe will make family dinners truly memorable and heartwarming. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf:

1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 large eggs

½ cup milk

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

½ cup whole milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it.

    Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and ½ cup of ketchup. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, but do not overmix.

      Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even loaf shape. Spread an additional layer of ketchup on top for extra flavor.

        Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

          Cook the Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.

            Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. If desired, stir in chopped chives or parsley for freshness.

              Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle a bit more ketchup over the meatloaf if you like, and enjoy your comforting meal!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6