Meatloaf Casserole Mashed Potatoes (Printable)

Ground meat and vegetables layered with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting one-dish meal.

# What you'll need:

→ Meats

01 - 1½ lbs ground beef
02 - ½ lb ground pork

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
06 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

→ Pantry & Dairy

07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
08 - ½ cup milk
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - ½ cup breadcrumbs
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - ¼ cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
13 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1 tsp salt
15 - ½ tsp black pepper
16 - Nonstick cooking spray

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly, return to the pot, and mash with milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
03 - While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
05 - Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the frozen mixed vegetables in an even layer over the meat.
06 - Spread the mashed potatoes over the vegetable layer, smoothing into an even, level surface with a spatula.
07 - Drizzle additional ketchup over the mashed potato layer, then sprinkle evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
09 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing into portions and serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The mashed potato topping gets golden edges and crispy bits that everyone fights over at the table.
  • Its a complete meal in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to actually enjoy your evening.
02 -
  • Overmixing the meat mixture is the fastest way to end up with a dense, tough layer, so stop folding as soon as everything looks combined.
  • Spreading the potatoes while still warm makes the job ten times easier and helps them seal smoothly over the vegetables.
03 -
  • Warming the milk before adding it to the potatoes is a small step that produces noticeably creamier results.
  • Run your fork under the broiler for the last two minutes if you want those irresistible browned cheese spots across the top.

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