Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Why this recipe works
- Classic comfort-food pairing: A savoury glazed meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes give the dish its familiar balance of richness, softness and tang.
- Well-seasoned loaf: Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, onion and garlic build depth without making the mixture complicated.
- Straightforward method: The loaf is mixed, shaped in a pan and baked, while the potatoes cook separately alongside it.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf stand for the full resting time so the juices settle and the slices hold together.
- Use the oven time well: Start the potatoes once the meatloaf is in the oven so the mash is ready close to serving time.
Texture tips
- Keep the loaf tender: Mix the beef mixture only until combined; overworking it can make the finished meatloaf dense.
- Creamier mash: Steam-dry the drained potatoes briefly in the hot pot before mashing so they absorb the butter and milk cleanly.
- Cleaner slices: Press the mixture evenly into the loaf pan and smooth the top so it cooks and slices more uniformly.
Common mistakes
- Overmixing the meat: Stop mixing as soon as the breadcrumbs, egg and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Watery potatoes: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let excess steam escape before adding butter and milk.
- Undercooking the centre: If using a thermometer, check that the centre reaches 71°C (160°F), especially when serving vulnerable groups.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for leftovers: Cooked slices and mash keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days when cooled quickly and stored in a sealed container.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooked meatloaf slices for easier reheating; portion the mash separately if freezing the full meal.
- Reheat gently: Reheat covered at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot, adding a little milk to loosen the mash if needed.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Meatloaf
Mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Finely chop the onion.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ground garlic, fine sea salt, black pepper and the onion. Mix with your hands just until evenly combined, without overworking it.
- Press the mixture into a loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes, until the meatloaf is set and starting to brown at the edges.
- Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut into even chunks. Put them in a large pot, cover with cold water and bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until very tender.
- Brush the ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven for 10 minutes, until the glaze looks sticky and slightly darkened.
- Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the hot pot for 1 minute to steam dry. Mash with the butter, then gradually mash in the whole milk until creamy and smooth.
- Rest the meatloaf for 5 minutes, then slice. Serve with the mashed potatoes.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For neat slices, let the meatloaf rest for the full 5 minutes before cutting.
- If you have a thermometer, the meatloaf is ready when the centre reaches 71°C (160°F).
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, ensure the meatloaf is cooked through and piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace Dijon mustard with ketchup for a sweeter, milder glaze and loaf.
- Replace whole milk with water for a lighter mash, adding it gradually until the texture is right.
- Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat slices and mash in a 180°C (355°F) oven, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes until piping hot; add a splash of whole milk to loosen the mash if needed.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 20min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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