Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
When comfort food cravings hit hard, this Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese delivers every cozy bite. Juicy, tender beef seasoned to perfection, baked into a satisfying meatloaf and crowned with rich, cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s a complete dinner that brings everyone to the table.
The mashed potatoes on top bake up beautifully, forming a golden, cheesy crust that sinks into the meat just enough to keep every forkful moist and flavorful. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a Sunday dinner, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
This recipe takes classic meatloaf and upgrades it with a creamy mashed potato topping loaded with cheese. The combination is as hearty as it is comforting. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Leftovers? They’re even better the next day.
Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes for the Topping?
You can. While homemade mashed potatoes have a rich, buttery flavor that can’t be beat, high-quality instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch. Just be sure they’re thick enough to spread without running and add extra butter and cheese to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients for the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
For this hearty dish, we rely on everyday kitchen staples that blend into something truly special. From ground beef to cheddar, every component builds flavor and texture.
- Ground beef
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Onion
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Russet potatoes
- Butter
- Cream or milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese

How To Make the Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
Step 1: Make the Meatloaf Base
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Press the mixture into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 2: Boil and Mash the Potatoes
While the meatloaf bakes for about 25 minutes, peel and boil the russet potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter and cream. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt to taste.
Step 3: Add the Mashed Potato Topping
Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes over the meatloaf, spreading evenly. Sprinkle more cheese on top if desired.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Return the dish to the oven and bake another 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Meatloaf
This recipe feeds around 6 hungry people and makes a statement as a main course. For serving, a simple side salad or roasted green beans completes the meal. To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What to Serve With Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese?
Garlic Green Beans
A crunchy, savory veggie side helps lighten up the richness.
Roasted Carrots with Thyme
The sweet earthiness of roasted carrots pairs beautifully.
Cucumber Dill Salad
Add a cool, fresh crunch with this tangy salad.
Skillet Corn
A buttery corn side keeps things easy and seasonal.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Great for soaking up any delicious juices left on the plate.
Crispy Fried Onions
Sprinkle some on top after baking for an extra crunch.
Steamed Broccoli
Simple and healthy, it balances out the cheesy richness.
Apple Walnut Salad
For a fall-inspired touch, try serving a crisp apple salad with a light vinaigrette.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If you loved this meatloaf, you’ll probably find more favorites among these hearty recipes:
- Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri for a protein-packed bowl full of flavor.
- Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re craving creamy pasta comfort.
- Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a one-pan weeknight savior.
- Smothered Chicken and Rice with gravy and cozy vibes.
- Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet for a skillet that’s as hearty as it is nourishing.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know how your version turned out! Did you go with homemade or instant mash? Any extra cheese on top? I love seeing how you personalize these dishes.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and comforting recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next go-to meal idea.
Conclusion
Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese is everything a comfort meal should be: warm, filling, cheesy, and made with love. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just want delicious leftovers to get you through the week, this recipe brings it all together with ease.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese recipe combines seasoned ground beef and creamy cheddar mashed potatoes into a comforting family dinner. Perfect for weeknights, this cheesy meatloaf is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and packed with flavor. A cozy recipe with simple ingredients that satisfies every craving for comfort food.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup heavy cream or milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Press mixture into a greased 9×5 loaf pan and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Drain the potatoes, then mash with butter and cream until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Season with additional salt if needed.
7. Remove meatloaf from oven and spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
9. Return to oven and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
10. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
Let the meatloaf rest after baking so it slices cleanly.
Use homemade mashed potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Add crispy onions or chopped chives on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg


