Cheesy Meatloaf Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A cozy, oven-baked comfort-food classic your family will love.

If you’re searching for a warm, comforting dinner that fills the house with incredible aromas and brings everyone straight to the table, this Cheesy Meatloaf Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes is the perfect recipe.
It’s hearty, rich, layered with flavor, and baked into one dish for the ultimate comfort-food experience. This detailed, blog-optimized recipe is written in long form to support SEO performance, increase scroll depth, and maximize RPM on your food site.

Ingredients

1. For the Meatloaf

• 2 lbs (1 kg) ground beef (a mix of beef + lamb adds extra richness)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme

2. For the Meatloaf Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard

3. For the Mashed Potatoes

• 3 lbs (1.5 kg) potatoes
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• Salt, to taste
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

4. For the Cheesy Topping

• 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

How to Make It

Step 1 — Prepare the Mashed Potatoes (Base Layer)

1. Peel and cut potatoes into even-sized chunks.
2. Boil them in salted water until they are very tender.
3. Drain completely, then mash with butter, cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Spread the mashed potatoes into the bottom of a baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.

This creates the creamy, comforting base that will soak up all the meatloaf juices.

Step 2 — Make the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices.
2. Mix until well combined — but avoid overmixing to prevent dryness.
3. Shape the mixture into 4–5 mini loaves (as shown in recipe photos).
4. Arrange each mini loaf directly on top of the mashed potato layer.

Mini meatloaves cook faster, glaze better, and give everyone their own portion.

Step 3 — Mix the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard.
2. Brush this glaze generously over the tops of the meatloaf portions.

This glaze caramelizes beautifully and adds that sweet-tangy classic meatloaf flavor.

Step 4 — Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and the glaze is glossy and caramelized.
3. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.

Step 5 — Add the Cheesy Topping

1. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over each meatloaf portion.
2. Return the dish to the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns lightly golden.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• A crisp garden salad
• Extra glaze or ketchup on the side
• Roasted carrots for added sweetness

Perfect for:

• Cozy weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Potlucks
• Family gatherings

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use 80/20 beef for juicier meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs keep the texture soft, preventing dense, rubbery meatloaf.
• Don’t skip the glaze — it adds shine, sweetness, acidity, and moisture.
• Let it rest before serving so the meatloaf holds its shape.
• For extra richness, add ½ cup shredded cheddar into the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a firmer mashed potato base, bake the potatoes for 10 minutes before adding the meatloaf.