Cheesy Meatloaf

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish or deep foil casserole pan (lined with foil for easy cleanup)
• Potato masher or electric hand mixer
• Large stockpot (for boiling potatoes)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 3 lbs (approx. 5 to 6 large) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (warmed)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend works best)
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze and Cheesy Topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place the peeled, cubed potatoes into a large stockpot and cover with cold, salted water by at least 1 inch.
2. Bring water to a rolling boil over high intensity heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot.
4. Add the butter , warm heavy cream , sour cream , garlic powder , salt , and black pepper . Mash until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of a greased or foil-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk . Let sit for 5 minutes until absorbed (this panade keeps the meatloaf moist).
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef , soaked breadcrumbs, diced onion , minced garlic , eggs , Worcestershire sauce , ketchup , Italian seasoning , onion powder , salt , and black pepper .
9. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined. (Avoid overworking the meat, or it will become dense).
10. Divide the beef mixture into 4 to 6 individual, elongated loaf patties (or shape into mini meatloaves as pictured).
11. Gently press the formed loaves into the layer of mashed potatoes in the baking dish.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup ketchup , brown sugar , and yellow mustard for the glaze. Brush the glaze evenly over the top of each meatloaf patty.
13. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) .
14. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes , or until the meatloaves reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
15. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the meatloaves and potatoes.
16. Switch the oven setting to Broil (High Intensity) .
17. Return the dish to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
18. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley , and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 580 kcal — · Protein: 35 g 70% · Fat: 32 g 41% · Carbohydrates: 38 g 14% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 16 g 80% · Fiber: 3.5 g 12% · Sugar: 11 g — · Sodium: 980 mg 43%