Growing up, Sundays smelled like home. My mom would start dicing onions while humming an old country tune, and I knew what was coming—meatloaf night.
The kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes you want to pull up a chair before it’s even ready.
There’s something about a thick slice of tender meatloaf smothered in a rich, savory glaze, paired with creamy mashed potatoes, that just makes life feel right.
I’ve made this recipe a hundred different ways, but this one?
It’s the keeper.
It’s simple, it’s hearty, and it’s packed with fresh ingredients that you can find at any grocery store or farmer’s market.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal that needs to stretch into leftovers, this classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes combo is pure comfort on a plate.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use freshly grated onion. It melts into the meat better than diced pieces.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing—it helps hold everything together.
- Warm the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes for the smoothest mash.
- For extra depth, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze.
Variations & Substitutions:
- Turkey Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for ground turkey and use a bit of olive oil for moisture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond milk and use plant-based butter.
- Extra Veggies: Finely grated carrots or zucchini blend in easily for a little extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted green beans or a simple garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers? Slice it up for meatloaf sandwiches with toasted bread and a little mayo.
- Drizzle a little gravy over the mashed potatoes if you want to take things up a notch.
Classic Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A tender, juicy meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard powder
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Mix the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes—this keeps the meatloaf moist.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and mustard powder. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon—don’t overwork it, or the meatloaf will be dense.
- Shape into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet (or in the loaf pan).
- Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl and spread half over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Then, spread the remaining glaze over the top and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Notes
For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice meatloaf + ½ cup mashed potatoes
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
