Meatloaf and Potatoes

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

June 11, 2025

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The smell of freshly baked meatloaf wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine sinking your fork into that tender, juicy slice of goodness while golden-brown potatoes melt in your mouth—it’s an invitation to comfort! This meatloaf and potatoes dish is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to family gatherings where laughter mingled with the aroma of home-cooked love.

Growing up, my family had an unspoken tradition: every Sunday was designated as “Meatloaf Day.” My mom would whip up her famous recipe while we all gathered around the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting our share. The anticipation alone made it feel like Christmas morning! So let’s bring that tradition back and make this delightful dish together.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Meatloaf and potatoes are not only easy to prepare but also deliver an unforgettable flavor experience.
The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table.
It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions without breaking a sweat.
Plus, it brings back those heartwarming memories of family gatherings and shared laughter.

I vividly remember my dad’s delighted face as he took his first bite of my mom’s meatloaf—his eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind everything together while adding texture.
Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binder to hold your meat mixture together beautifully.
Onion: Chopped onion adds moisture and sweetness; use yellow or white onions for the best flavor.
Ketchup: A must-have ingredient for both flavoring the meatloaf and creating that luscious glaze on top.
Potatoes: Choose russet or Yukon gold potatoes for creamy mashed potatoes that complement the savory meat.
Milk: A splash of milk ensures your mashed potatoes are rich and creamy—just the way they should be!
Butter: Add butter to your mashed potatoes for extra richness; it’s comfort food at its finest!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your meatloaf bakes evenly.

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended but avoid overmixing to keep it tender.

Mold the Meatloaf Shape: Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form; trust me—this is where you can channel your inner sculptor!

Add Ketchup Glaze: Spread additional ketchup on top of the formed loaf before placing it in the oven. This creates a sticky-sweet crust that everyone will love!

Bake It Up!: Bake in your preheated oven for about 1 hour or until fully cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F / 70°C). The aroma will have you dancing in anticipation.

Prepare Mashed Potatoes While Baking: While the meatloaf bakes away happily in your oven, peel and chop your potatoes. Boil them until tender (about 15-20 minutes), then mash with milk and butter until creamy.

Finally, serve slices of that glorious meatloaf alongside heaping spoonfuls of smooth mashed potatoes. Enjoy this comforting dish with loved ones around you—it’s pure happiness on a plate!

You Must Know

Use lean ground beef for a healthier meatloaf.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Add grated veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your ingredients in one bowl, then shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking tray. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour until it’s cooked through and golden brown on top.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor, making your meatloaf uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or enjoy cold on a sandwich—delicious!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use breadcrumbs instead of crackers for better texture in your meatloaf.
Always check doneness with a meat thermometer; overcooking is a common mistake that ruins it!
For easier cleanup, line your baking tray with parchment paper.

Sometimes my family still talks about that one time I used too much garlic in the meatloaf—it ended up being more of a vampire deterrent than dinner!

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for meatloaf?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes it lighter and is equally delicious if seasoned well.

What can I use instead of eggs in meatloaf?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as binding agents.

How do you know when meatloaf is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (70°C) when fully cooked and safe to eat.

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