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**Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Meal**
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty meal that brings together the best of savory flavors, creamy textures, and melted cheese. One such dish that checks all these boxes is **Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese**. This ultimate comfort food is a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy evening at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress!
### Why This Recipe Works:
– **Juicy Meatloaf**: The meatloaf is perfectly seasoned and baked until golden brown, creating a juicy and flavorful dish.
– **Creamy Mashed Potatoes**: The mashed potatoes are rich, smooth, and creamy, providing the ideal side dish to complement the hearty meatloaf.
– **Cheese**: Who doesn’t love the indulgence of melted cheese on top? The cheese adds richness and a touch of gooey goodness that takes the whole meal to the next level.
– **Comforting and Filling**: This dish is a true comfort food experience, ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying a warm and filling meal after a long day.
### Ingredients:
For the **Meatloaf**:
– 1 pound ground beef (you can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use regular or panko)
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great, but feel free to use mozzarella or a cheese blend)
For the **Mashed Potatoes**:
– 4 large potatoes (Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best)
– 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
– 4 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite variety)
– Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or chives, for garnish)
### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Meatloaf**
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **chopped onion**, **egg**, **garlic powder**, **oregano**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **Worcestershire sauce**. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Next, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan. Spread a thin layer of **ketchup** over the top of the meatloaf to add extra flavor and moisture as it bakes.
Bake the meatloaf for **45-50 minutes** or until it’s fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches **160°F (71°C)**. Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the **shredded cheese** on top. Return it to the
