Meatloaf Casserole Classic (Printable version)
Layered meatloaf and mashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar and tangy glaze, a cozy choice for family dinners.
# What you 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 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
→ Mashed Potato Layer
13 - 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
14 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
15 - 1/2 cup milk
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Sauce
17 - 1/2 cup ketchup
18 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
19 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
→ Topping
20 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
21 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How To:
01 - Preheat 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 until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined without overworking the meat.
04 - Evenly press the seasoned meat mixture 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 mashed potatoes over the sauced meat layer, spreading gently to cover the entire surface in an even layer.
07 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer.
08 - Bake uncovered 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 set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It gives you all the comfort of meatloaf and mashed potatoes in one pan, which means fewer dishes and a more impressive presentation.
- The tangy sweet sauce layer seeps into the meat while it bakes, keeping everything incredibly moist and flavorful without any extra effort.
02 -
- Overmixing the meat is the fastest way to end up with a tough, rubbery layer, so stop as soon as everything looks combined.
- Letting the casserole rest before slicing is not optional because cutting too early means the whole thing collapses into a messy puddle.
03 -
- Use wet hands when pressing the meat mixture into the dish because it prevents sticking and makes the layer much more even.
- Make the mashed potatoes a day ahead and warm them slightly before spreading so they are easier to work with.