The Ultimate Comfort Food: Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are a classic dinner combination
that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia. This recipe is simple
enough to prepare on any busy weeknight, making it a go-to meal for
families and individuals alike.

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are a timeless pairing that transcends
generations. It’s a meal that many associate with childhood memories, family
dinners, and a sense of home. While cultural backgrounds may influence
regular meal choices, the universal appeal of meatloaf and mashed potatoes
lies in its comforting flavors and satisfying texture.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Meatloaf can be customized with
various seasonings, ground meats, and additions like vegetables or cheeses.
Mashed potatoes, too, can be transformed with different types of potatoes,
dairy products, and flavorings, from classic butter and milk to roasted
garlic and herbs.

This recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating a moist and
flavorful meatloaf, complemented by creamy and comforting mashed potatoes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find
this guide easy to follow and the results incredibly rewarding.

A Look into the History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf, as we know it today, has an interesting history that dates back
centuries. While its origins are somewhat debated, meatloaf-like dishes have
been found in various cultures and time periods. In ancient Rome, recipes
existed for ground meat mixtures formed into loaves.

However, the meatloaf we recognize today gained popularity in the United
States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As meat grinders
became more accessible, ground meat became a staple ingredient in many
households. Resourceful cooks began combining ground meat with breadcrumbs,
vegetables, and seasonings to create affordable and filling meals.

The Great Depression further fueled the popularity of meatloaf, as it was an
economical way to stretch meat and feed a family. Recipes often called for
using leftover scraps of meat and combining them with inexpensive fillers
like bread and grains.

During World War II, meatloaf experienced another surge in popularity due to
meat rationing. Cooks looked for ways to make smaller portions of meat go
further, and meatloaf fit the bill perfectly. Cornmeal and other grains were
used as fillers, and various seasonings were added to enhance the flavor.

Over time, meatloaf has evolved from a humble dish born out of necessity to
a beloved comfort food enjoyed around the world. Different regions and
cultures have put their own spin on the classic recipe, incorporating local
ingredients and flavors.

How to Ensure a Moist and Delicious Meatloaf

One of the biggest challenges in making meatloaf is preventing it from
drying out. Here are some essential tips to ensure your meatloaf stays moist
and tender:

• Use the Right Meat: Opt for ground meat with a moderate
  fat content. Ground beef with around 15-20% fat is ideal, as the fat
  helps to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful. If using leaner meats like
  ground turkey or chicken, consider adding a bit of olive oil or ground
  pork to increase the fat content.
• Add Moisture-Rich Ingredients: Incorporate ingredients
  like eggs, ketchup, tomato sauce, or Worcestershire sauce to add moisture
  to the meat mixture. These ingredients also help to bind the meatloaf
  together and prevent it from crumbling.
• Include Vegetables: Sautéed vegetables like onions,
  carrots, and celery can add moisture and flavor to your meatloaf. The
  sautéing process helps to soften the vegetables and release their natural
  juices, which will keep the meatloaf moist.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture can lead to a
  tough and dry meatloaf. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined,
  being careful not to compact the meat too much.
• Use a Loaf Pan or Baking Sheet: You can bake your
  meatloaf in a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. If using
  a loaf pan, be sure to grease it well to prevent the meatloaf from
  sticking. Baking the meatloaf on a baking sheet allows for better air
  circulation, which can help to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the most common cause of
  dry meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of
  the meatloaf. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef and 165°F
  (74°C) for ground poultry.
• Let it Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for
  about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to
  redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister and more
  flavorful meatloaf.

Making Creamy Mashed Potatoes from Scratch

Mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to meatloaf, providing a
creamy and comforting contrast to the savory meat. Making mashed potatoes
from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are far superior
to instant mashed potatoes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating perfect mashed potatoes:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a classic
   choice for mashed potatoes, as they are starchy and fluffy when cooked.
   Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option, offering a slightly creamier
   texture.
2. Peel and Cut the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them
   into even-sized chunks. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
3. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and
   cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, as
   this will help to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a
   boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20
   minutes.
4. Drain the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes in a colander and
   return them to the pot.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher or an electric
   mixer to mash the potatoes. For chunkier, rustic potatoes, simply mash them
   with a potato masher. For smooth, silky, creamy potatoes, use an electric
   mixer.
6. Add Dairy and Flavorings: While the potatoes are still
   hot, add butter, milk, cream, or sour cream. Start with a small amount and
   add more until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and
   pepper to taste. You can also add other flavorings like roasted garlic,
   herbs, or cheese.
7. Serve Immediately: Mashed potatoes are best served
   immediately. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a heat-safe bowl
   and cover them with a lid.

Explore More Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipes

Looking for more inspiration for easy and delicious weeknight dinners? Here
are a few more recipes to try:

• Easy Breaded Chicken Tenders: A family-friendly classic that’s quick and easy to prepare.
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken: A simple and healthy way to cook a whole chicken.
• One Pot Lasagna Soup (Dairy-Free): All the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup, made in just one pot.
• Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken: A flavorful and tender chicken dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight
  meal.
• Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe (Only 20 Minutes): A quick and easy takeout-inspired dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

By
Marlynn Schotland

Prep Time:

12
minutes

mins

Cook Time:

1
hour

hr
30
minutes

mins

Total Time:

1
hour

hr
45
minutes

mins

Servings:

4
people

This classic dinner combo is easy to make even on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 2
  teaspoons
  olive oil
• 1
  tablespoon
  minced garlic
• 1/4
  cup
  finely chopped carrots
• 1
  lb
  lean ground turkey
• 1
  cup
  quick cooking oats
• 1/2
  cup
  bbq sauce
• 1/2
  cup
  ketchup
• 1
  tablespoon
  finely chopped parsley
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4
  cup
  ketchup or BBQ sauce for outer coat

Mashed Potatoes

• 4
  baking potatoes
• 2
  tablespoons
  butter or margarine
• 1
  tablespoon
  minced garlic
• 1/2
  cup
  finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2
  cup
  finely shredded asiago or other sharp cheese
• salt & pepper to taste
• finely chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Make the meatloaf

• Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan and sightly sauté carrots until soft. Remove carrots and set aside in a large bowl.
• In the same pan, sauté the garlic for both the meatloaf and mashed potatoes until slightly soft and golden.
• Set aside 1 tablespoon garlic for mashed potatoes. Place garlic for meatloaf in the large bowl along with the carrots.
• In the same large bowl, add ground turkey, oats, ketchup, BBQ sauce, parsley, salt, pepper. Mix ingredients with your hands until well blended.
• Once well blended, either a) form the mixture into a meatloaf log shape about 4 inches wide, 2 inches high, and about 8 or 9 inches long and place on top of a baking sheet coated in cooking spray, OR b) place mixture in a loaf pan. I have done both and prefer to use the loaf mold that doesn’t need cooking spray or a regular loaf pan that I’ve coated with cooking spray.
• Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing & serving.

Make the mashed potatoes

• Add potatoes to a pot o’ boiling water and cook until potatoes are slightly soft but not squishy. For 4 potatoes, this will be around 15 minutes.
• Drain the water, return the potatoes to the pot, add milk, cheese, reserved sauteed garlic, salt & pepper and mash, mash, mash away to desired consistency. I prefer mashed potatoes that are a little chunky, not super smooth, but that’s just me. I also cook while thinking & speaking in various accents, so… there you have it.
• Once properly mashed, sprinkle with parsley and serve scoops of the taters alongside the delicious and lower-fat version of this 1950’s meal.

Nutrition

Calories:
653
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
82
g

,

Protein:
44
g

,

Fat: