Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy:

The Ultimate Comfort Food Meal

If you’re craving a hearty and comforting dinner, Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is the perfect choice. This classic combo features a juicy, flavorful meatloaf topped with a rich, savory gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

• Hearty & Satisfying: A combination of savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and flavorful gravy is sure to keep you full and satisfied.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: This is the kind of meal that brings warmth and nostalgia, making it ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights at home.
• Easy to Make: While this dish might seem like a lot of work, it’s actually quite simple to prepare and can be made in under an hour, with a little prep time.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The leftovers are just as delicious and can be used for sandwiches, wraps, or quick reheats the next day.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or substitute with crushed crackers)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (adds rich flavor)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or your favorite dried herb)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon Gold potatoes work great)
• 4 tbsp butter (or more for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup milk (adjust to get the right consistency)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for extra richness)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Step 1: Make the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan or baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
3. Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan, or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and brown sugar, then spread this mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cut potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk and mash until smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer for a creamier texture. Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra richness, stir in sour cream or cream cheese.
3. Keep Warm: Cover the mashed potatoes with a lid to keep them warm while you prepare the gravy and finish the meatloaf.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Make a Roux: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
2. Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Season: Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the gravy gets too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra beef broth or water.

Step 4: Serve

Once the meatloaf is cooked through and has rested for a few minutes, slice it into thick, juicy slices. Plate the mashed potatoes, then top them with a generous amount of gravy. Serve the meatloaf slices alongside the potatoes, and drizzle more gravy over the top.

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

• Customize the Meatloaf: Feel free to mix things up by adding extra veggies to the meatloaf, like grated carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. This is also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner meatloaf, ground turkey or chicken works well. Just be sure to add extra seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, add a bit more butter and cream. You can also use a combination of half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.
• Make It Ahead: This meal is great for meal prep https://tivav.com/?s=Super+Whore+Cocktail+Recipe! You can make the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve. Mashed potatoes also keep well in the fridge and can be reheated with a bit of added butter or milk.
• Make Gravy in Advance: The gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove with a little water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat with a little extra butter or milk to get them creamy again.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers of both the meatloaf and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months and reheat it when needed.

Q: Can I use another type of ground meat for the meatloaf?
A: Yes! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork can be used for the meatloaf. Just make sure to adjust your seasonings to suit the meat.

Q: Can I make the gravy without flour?
A: Yes! For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy instead of flour. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold broth before adding it to the pan.

Conclusion

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is the ultimate comfort meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make, with rich gravy and creamy mashed potatoes elevating the entire dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic dish is sure to become a favorite Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies