Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes: A Classic Comfort Duo

Few meals say “comfort food” like meatloaf and mashed potatoes. This timeless pairing brings hearty, savory flavor with fluffy, buttery spuds on the side. Perfect for weeknight family dinners or cozy Sunday suppers, this satisfying combo is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

This ultimate guide to meatloaf and mashed potatoes walks you through making a juicy, flavorful loaf paired with rich, creamy mashed potatoes—comfort food perfection.

How to Make Classic Meatloaf with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

This recipe combines a tender, well-seasoned meatloaf with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes for the ultimate homestyle meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• ½ cup milk

• 2 eggs

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp mustard

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: ¼ cup sour cream for extra creaminess

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Preparing Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Shape and Bake
Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients and spread over the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 3: Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf bakes, boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Stir in sour cream if using.

Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on the side.

Servings

Serves 4–6 as a full meal.

Presentation & Decoration

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over mashed potatoes

• Add a drizzle of gravy or extra ketchup glaze on meatloaf slices

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad

• Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

Best Time to Eat

Family Dinners: Ideal for cozy evenings around the table
Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers for weekday lunches
Weekend Comfort: A classic Sunday night meal

Portion Guide

Individual: 1 meatloaf slice + ¾ cup mashed potatoes
Group: Double the recipe for large families or gatherings

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezing: Freeze meatloaf slices and mashed potatoes separately for up to 1 month
Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through

Allergy Guide

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free milk and butter
Nut-Free: Naturally nut-free

Tag your meatloaf and mashed potato meals and show off your best comfort food presentation—you could be featured in our next recipe roundup!