Cheddar-Potato-topped Meatloaf

Cheddar-Potato-topped Meatloaf Recipe with Ground Beef and Peas

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Cheddar-Potato-topped Meatloaf recipe is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food dish. The combination of savory ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Meatloaf has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years, with variations of the recipe dating back to the 19th century. The addition of a cheddar potato topping adds a modern twist to this traditional favorite, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
0.75 cup chopped onion
0.33 cup saltine cracker crumbs
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
1 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
0.75 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

Cheddar potato topping

1 package (14 oz (397 g)) frozen mashed potatoes
1.75 cup milk
1 package (10 oz (283 g)) frozen peas and carrots
0.75 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the meatloaf, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Gently press the beef mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches a medium doneness (160°F (71°C)). It should no longer be pink in the center and the juices should show no pink color. Carefully pour off any drippings.
Meanwhile, in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) microwave-safe dish, combine the ingredients for the topping, except for the cheese.
Microwave on HIGH for 11 to 12 minutes, stirring once.
Spread the topping evenly on top of the meatloaf, extending it to the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cheese.
Broil the meatloaf 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
Allow the meatloaf to stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Cut it into 6 even pieces.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the meatloaf.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the ingredients for the meatloaf lightly but thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Press the beef mixture into the baking pan gently to avoid compacting it too much, which can result in a dense meatloaf.

- When broiling the meatloaf, keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning. The top should be lightly browned and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cheddar-Potato-topped Meatloaf with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking of the meatloaf.

- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Broiling the meatloaf at the end helps to melt the cheese and create a crispy topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh mashed potatoes instead of frozen for a homemade touch.

- Substitute breadcrumbs for the cracker crumbs in the meatloaf mixture.

- Use any type of cheese you prefer for the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and topping in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the meatloaf into individual portions and serve on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. The melted cheese on top adds a beautiful golden color to the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Cheddar-Potato-topped Meatloaf with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 470 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 31g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 24g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 33g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (milk, cheese) and gluten (cracker crumbs).

Summary

This Cheddar-Potato-topped Meatloaf is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

This Cheddar-Potato-topped Meatloaf recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With a creamy mashed potato topping and melted cheddar cheese, this twist on a classic comfort food is a delicious and nutritious choice for dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for a cup of tea. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, the savory aroma of her meatloaf baking in the oven wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses.

Margaret had always been an excellent cook, and I was eager to learn her secrets. As we sipped our tea, she revealed that her meatloaf was not just any ordinary meatloaf - it was a cheddar-potato-topped masterpiece that had been passed down through generations in her family.

Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, Margaret agreed, and we spent the afternoon in her kitchen, measuring and mixing, laughing and chatting as we prepared the dish together.

I was amazed at the simplicity of the recipe - ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, and a few secret spices all mixed together and shaped into a loaf. But the real magic happened when we topped it with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and a generous sprinkling of sharp cheddar cheese.

As the meatloaf baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled Margaret's kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it emerged golden and bubbling, we couldn't resist cutting into it right away, savoring each delicious bite.

From that day on, cheddar-potato-topped meatloaf became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family on special occasions, and it always brought smiles to their faces. It was a dish that tasted like home, like comfort, like love.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to Margaret's original recipe, adding a touch of garlic here or a sprinkle of fresh herbs there. But the heart of the dish remains the same - a warm, hearty meatloaf topped with creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheddar cheese.

I've shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on Margaret's legacy to the next generation of cooks. And each time I make it, I think of that crisp autumn day in Margaret's kitchen, where a simple meatloaf became a treasured family tradition.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a cheddar-potato-topped meatloaf for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. The recipe may have come from Margaret, but the memories and love that go into each dish are all my own.

And as I take a bite of the savory, cheesy goodness, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart - a reminder of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those we love.