The warm, hearty meatloaf is perfectly complemented by the creamy mashed potatoes tucked inside. The combination of savory ground beef and smooth mashed potatoes makes each bite feel like a comforting hug, ideal for cozy family dinners.
The addition of ketchup on top adds a slight tangy sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. This dish is not only filling but also incredibly easy to customize, whether you prefer more vegetables, different seasonings, or a thicker mashed potato layer. It’s the ultimate comfort food to serve when you need something satisfying yet simple.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 cup mashed potatoes (prepared)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1/4 cup milk
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
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On a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap, flatten the beef mixture into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
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Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the center of the beef rectangle.
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Carefully fold the edges of the beef over the mashed potatoes to create a sealed log shape.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatloaf on all sides for 5-7 minutes until browned.
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Transfer the seared meatloaf to a baking dish and spread the ketchup on top.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
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Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatloaf: A Comforting Twist on a Classic
If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that brings a little twist to a beloved classic, Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatloaf is the perfect choice. This recipe blends the rich flavors of traditional meatloaf with the creamy, comforting texture of mashed potatoes, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is filling. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Meatloaf is one of those timeless dishes that has stood the test of time in many homes across the world. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and offers a deliciously savory combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. What makes this variation stand out is the addition of mashed potatoes in the center, offering a creamy and indulgent surprise with every bite. The potatoes not only add a luxurious texture to the dish but also make it more filling, ensuring that everyone at the table will leave satisfied.
The Beauty of Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatloaf
The combination of mashed potatoes and meatloaf is a match made in heaven. Ground beef, which is the base of traditional meatloaf, pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery texture of mashed potatoes. The potatoes absorb some of the savory flavors from the meat, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two components that elevates the dish. The potatoes act as a comforting binder, while the beef offers a satisfying, protein-packed foundation.
One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. The mashed potato filling can be flavored in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. For example, you could add cheese, garlic, or fresh herbs to the mashed potatoes, giving the dish an extra layer of flavor. Some variations even add sautéed vegetables or cooked bacon to the filling, giving the meatloaf even more depth.
The addition of ketchup on top of the meatloaf is a traditional touch, providing a slight tanginess that balances out the richness of the beef and potatoes. However, if you prefer a different topping, you could swap the ketchup for barbecue sauce, brown gravy, or even a rich tomato glaze. The choice is yours!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about mashed potatoes, and when they’re stuffed inside a meatloaf, it becomes the ultimate comfort food. The dish brings together the warmth of a baked meal with a soft, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
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Perfect for Family Dinners: If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner option, this is it. It’s simple to prepare and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze!
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Hearty and Filling: The combination of beef and mashed potatoes makes this dish hearty and filling, perfect for those days when you’re craving something substantial. The mashed potatoes, being a starchy vegetable, also help make the dish more satisfying, so you’ll feel full longer.
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Customizable: This recipe is very adaptable. Whether you prefer to add vegetables, different seasonings, or a variety of cheeses to the mashed potato filling, you can easily adjust the recipe to fit your preferences. The meatloaf itself is forgiving, so feel free to experiment with the ingredients to create a version that suits your family’s tastes.
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Great for Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely), this dish tastes just as good the next day. The meatloaf can be reheated and enjoyed in sandwiches or on its own, making for a quick and satisfying meal. It even freezes well if you want to store some portions for later use.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatloaf is perfect when served alongside classic side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider pairing it with:
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans would make an excellent side, providing a crisp texture to contrast with the soft, creamy meatloaf.
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Gravy: For extra indulgence, serve your meatloaf with a rich brown gravy or a savory mushroom gravy. It will bring out the flavor of the beef and add another layer of moisture to the meatloaf.
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A Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with greens like spinach or arugula can balance out the richness of the meatloaf. A simple vinaigrette with lemon or balsamic vinegar will provide a zesty contrast.
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Mashed Potatoes: For those who just can’t get enough of mashed potatoes, why not serve the meatloaf with a side of buttery mashed potatoes? A bit of mashed potatoes on the side would turn this into a truly decadent meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatloaf is not only a great weeknight dinner but also an excellent option for meal prep. The leftovers can be easily stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, it maintains its delicious flavor, making it a convenient meal for busy days.
Nutritional Information
While this dish is rich and indulgent, it can be made healthier with a few adjustments. For example, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef to cut down on fat. Additionally, you can make the mashed potatoes lighter by using a healthier substitute like cauliflower or sweet potatoes. If you prefer to cut back on carbs, simply reduce the amount of mashed potatoes inside the meatloaf or serve with a smaller portion of side dishes.
As for portion size, this recipe provides a hearty serving of protein and carbohydrates, which makes it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied. For those watching their caloric intake, consider pairing the meatloaf with a fresh vegetable salad to balance out the meal with fiber and nutrients.
Conclusion:
Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatloaf is a comforting, hearty dish that reimagines a classic favorite. With its savory beef exterior and creamy mashed potato filling, it offers a combination of flavors and textures that will make it a staple in your dinner rotation. This recipe is simple to make, but its satisfying qualities are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prep, this dish is one that will surely be enjoyed by all.