Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty meatloaf served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich homemade gravy. This classic family dinner is packed with savory flavor, tender texture, and satisfying warmth in every bite. Perfect for weeknight meals or cozy Sunday dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking dish
- Potato pot
- Saucepan
- Potato masher
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 beef for the best juicy texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatloaf while keeping it tender.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep savory flavor.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can better control the seasoning.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into a loaf pan or baking dish.
Step 2: Add the Glaze
- In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain well and mash with butter and warm milk until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Prepare the Gravy
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth.
- Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the meatloaf and serve with mashed potatoes topped generously with warm gravy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 760mg
Tips
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Warm the milk before adding it to mashed potatoes for a smoother texture.
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions before mixing them into the meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Variations
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the center of the loaf.
- Turkey Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic to the potatoes for extra flavor.
- Mushroom Gravy: Stir sautéed mushrooms into the gravy for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.