Classic Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes

Featured in: Weekend Family Meals

This comforting main dish unites tender, seasoned ground beef and pork loaf with a rich glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. The meat mixture is baked to juicy perfection and paired with creamy mashed russet potatoes whipped with butter, warm milk, and a touch of cream. Simple to prepare and perfect for sharing, it brings comfort and flavor to the dinner table.

Preparation includes blending aromatic onion, garlic, thyme, and Dijon mustard into the meat, glazing halfway through baking, and mashing potatoes to smooth consistency with traditional seasonings. This classic American dish balances savory meat flavors with indulgently creamy sides.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:59:00 GMT
Classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes served on a plate, drizzled with savory glaze.  Save
Classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes served on a plate, drizzled with savory glaze. | tastlis.com

A comforting classic featuring tender flavorful meatloaf paired with creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for a hearty family dinner.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years and always brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • Ground pork: ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
  • Onion: 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Breadcrumbs: ¾ cup (90 g) breadcrumbs
  • Eggs: 2 large eggs
  • Milk: ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • Ketchup: 2 tbsp (30 g) ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce: 2 tsp (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt: 1 ½ tsp (7 g) salt
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp (2 g) black pepper
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp (2 g) dried thyme
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
  • Glaze ketchup: ⅓ cup (80 g) ketchup
  • Brown sugar: 2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar
  • Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • Russet potatoes: 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
  • Milk (for mashed potatoes): ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk warmed
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
  • Salt (for potatoes): 1 tsp (5 g) salt
  • Black pepper (for potatoes): ¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix meatloaf ingredients:
In a large bowl combine ground beef ground pork onion garlic breadcrumbs eggs milk ketchup Worcestershire sauce salt pepper thyme and Dijon mustard. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Shape loaf:
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
Prepare glaze:
In a small bowl mix together the glaze ingredients ketchup brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Spread half the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake meatloaf:
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven spread the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 15 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Cook potatoes:
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender about 15 20 minutes.
Mash potatoes:
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter warmed milk heavy cream (if using) salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Rest meatloaf:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes.
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This recipe has created many cherished family dinners full of laughter and great conversation.

Variations

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version or add chopped parsley to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed green beans or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.

Hearty Classic Meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinner comfort.  Save
Hearty Classic Meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family dinner comfort. | tastlis.com

This classic meatloaf recipe is sure to become a staple in your home with its perfect balance of flavor and comfort.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best type of meat for the loaf?

A combination of ground beef and ground pork delivers optimal flavor and moisture, balancing richness and texture.

How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Incorporating warm milk and optionally heavy cream, along with butter, helps create smooth and luscious mashed potatoes.

What is the purpose of the glaze on the meatloaf?

The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the savory meat, helping to keep the loaf moist during baking.

How do I ensure the meatloaf stays tender and not dry?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Baking to an internal temperature of 160°F ensures it remains juicy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, leftovers hold well and can be repurposed for sandwiches, making it convenient for next-day meals.

Classic Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes

Hearty, tender meatloaf accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying family meal.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
70 min
Overall Time
90 min
Author Lena Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary details None specified

What You'll Need

Meatloaf

01 1.5 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
02 0.5 lb ground pork
03 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
06 2 large eggs
07 0.5 cup whole milk
08 2 tbsp ketchup
09 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
10 1.5 tsp salt
11 0.5 tsp black pepper
12 1 tsp dried thyme
13 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Glaze

01 0.33 cup ketchup
02 2 tbsp brown sugar
03 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Mashed Potatoes

01 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
02 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 0.5 cup whole milk, warmed
04 0.25 cup heavy cream (optional)
05 1 tsp salt
06 0.25 tsp black pepper

Directions

Instruction 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.

Instruction 02

Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: Combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.

Instruction 03

Shape and Place Meatloaf: Form mixture into a loaf and place in prepared pan.

Instruction 04

Prepare and Apply Glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Spread half over the meatloaf.

Instruction 05

Bake Meatloaf: Bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze, then bake an additional 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Instruction 06

Cook Potatoes: Place potatoes in pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to boil, then simmer 15–20 minutes until tender.

Instruction 07

Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes; return to pot. Add butter, warmed milk, heavy cream if using, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Instruction 08

Rest and Serve: Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Saucepan
  • Potato masher
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Notes

Review each component for possible allergens. If you aren't sure, ask a health pro.
  • Contains eggs, milk/dairy, wheat/gluten (breadcrumbs), and possibly soy (Worcestershire sauce).

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutrition data is just for your information—always check with a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Energy: 540
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 33 g