Classic Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans – The Ultimate Comfort Meal
If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and satisfying dinner that reminds you of home, this classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and buttery green beans is the perfect choice. It’s a full, balanced meal that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
This recipe takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into a hearty dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your table with smiles.
Ingredients for the Meatloaf
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon ketchup or barbecue sauce for glaze
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk (add more if needed for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Green Beans
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon lemon juice or garlic for extra flavor
How to Make Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix everything gently using your hands or a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are just combined. Don’t overmix — that can make your meatloaf dense instead of tender.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared pan.
- (Optional) Brush the top with ketchup or barbecue sauce for a flavorful glaze.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- While the meatloaf bakes, peel and cube the potatoes.
- Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain well, then return to the pot.
- Add butter and milk, and mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust the texture by adding more milk if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra richness, you can mix in a spoonful of sour cream, cream cheese, or even roasted garlic.
Step 3: Prepare the Green Beans
- Rinse and trim the green beans.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the green beans and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optionally a squeeze of lemon juice or minced garlic for brightness.
If you prefer them softer, you can steam the beans first for a few minutes before sautéing.
Step 4: Assemble the Plate
Place a generous slice of juicy meatloaf on your plate. Add a big scoop of creamy mashed potatoes beside it, and arrange the green beans for a pop of color. For a finishing touch, drizzle a bit of pan gravy or ketchup over the meatloaf and sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley on top.
Tips for the Best Meatloaf Ever
- Use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for a juicy texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time — it keeps your meatloaf moist.
- You can add chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cheese to the mixture for extra flavor.
- For a healthier twist, try substituting half the beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of comfort food. The meatloaf is savory and tender, the mashed potatoes are smooth and buttery, and the green beans add a touch of freshness to balance it all. It’s also an easy meal prep option — you can make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it for a quick, homey dinner any night of the week.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this meal with:
- A fresh garden salad
- A glass of red wine or iced tea
- Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices of meatloaf for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.