Description
A classic comfort food recipe featuring a savory meatloaf made with ground beef, onions, peas, and aromatic herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mashed Potatoes & Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures even and proper cooking of the meatloaf.
- Cook onions and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions and garlic with the ground beef, frozen peas, breadcrumbs, egg, tomato sauce, parsley, BBQ sauce, and salt and pepper. Knead thoroughly with your hands until the mixture is uniform and well combined.
- Shape and bake meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Boil potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, place the cubed potatoes into a pot of boiling salted water. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Mash potatoes: To the drained potatoes, add butter, heavy whipping cream, and salt and pepper. Mash until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Top meatloaf: Remove the partially baked meatloaf from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finish baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Allow the meatloaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- If you prefer, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture for additional flavor.
- For creamier mashed potatoes, use a potato masher or electric mixer.
- Leftover meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Feel free to add a touch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the meatloaf for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
