- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until fully cooked (internal temp 160°F / 71°C).
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- While the meatloaf is baking, boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain and mash the potatoes.
- Add butter, milk, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until creamy.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and black pepper.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a side salad.
- Drizzle with gravy or ketchup for extra flavor.
Storage & Freezing:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Variants & Customization
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the meatloaf.
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Mix cooked bacon bits into the mashed potatoes.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
- Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crackers.
FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone work great.
3. How do I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Use heavy cream instead of milk and mash with a hand mixer for extra fluffiness.
4. Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work as substitutes.
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