Introduction:
This Cheesy Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Casserole ready by B Lynch is a lovely and filling dish that is great for family dinners and gatherings. It consists of a flavorful meatloaf with a golden cheesy topping served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. This preparation is sumptuous, appetizing, and definitely a people’s favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
500g beef minced (beef as well as pork could be used in proportion)
An onion, finely diced
Two pieces of crushed garlic
One piece, whisked egg
Half cup, breadcrumbs
Quarter cup, milk
One tablespoon, Worcestershire sauce
One tablespoon, tomato paste/ketchup
One teaspoon, salt
Half teaspoon, pepper
Half teaspoon of thyme or Italian spices
For the Mashed Potatoes:
Four large potatoes, which you need to peel & dice them
A quarter cup, butter
A quarter cup, cream/milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
One and a half cups, shredded cheddar cheese or other cheese blends
Thyme or parsley leaves for garnishing (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatloaf:
Set the temperature of the oven at 180 degrees Centigrade or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a bigger bowl the ground beef, diced onions, crushed garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste/ketchup, salt, pepper, and thyme should be loaded and constantly and evenly worn out.
Form the meat mixture into a loaf and transfer it on a greased or foil-lined baking dish. Partially cook in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Baking the meat loaf should be done in twenty minutes. In the meantime, wash the peeled and cut potatoes and boil them for fifteen to twenty minutes in salted water.
After twenty minutes, remove the potatoes, rice them, and mix in butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole:
Take out the meat loaf from the oven and using a spatula, cover the bottom in the same casserole dish or in a large separate baking dish with the mashed potatoes.
Pour the meatloaf over the mashed potatoes and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Bake:
Put the casserole back in the oven and bake for an extra fifteen to twenty minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and has a golden color.
If you want garnishing, thyme or fresh parsley will do nicely.
Serve:
Cut and serve the meat loaf dish immediately after waiting a few minutes for it to cool slightly. It is best served with a mixture of casseroles with vegetables
Hints for Success:
Remember that the meat loaf should only be half cooked before the cheese is placed over the top to prevent it being undercooked.
There is no doubt that brushing onto ketchup or barbecue sauce on top meatloaf prior to covering it with cheese will make the meatloaf more delicious.
It is also essential that the meat loaf, because it will be complemented by mashed potato, should be strong enough in taste to choke goose.
Baking need not be strenuous and messy so you can use foil in your dish for damage control and ease of cleaning.
Nutritional Information: (For one serving)
Calories: 500 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 200mg (Note: Values should be regarded as indicative since the precise amount will depend on the ingredients used.)
Variations and Substitutions:
Meat Alternatives: You can also use ground turkey, chicken or plant-based meat in place of ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Cheese Substitute: Change up that cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or any other cheese that you fancy and that melts well.
Vegetable Additions: Finely chopped vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers can also be added into the meatloaf mixture to make it even healthier and add more texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I do this dish in advance?
You can indeed! It is possible to make the meatloaf and also the mashed potatoes, put together the dish, and place it inside the fridge. BaKe when you need it and serve it up.
Can I save the leftovers in the freezer?
Definitely! Just cover the dish with either foil or place it inside an airtight container and place it inside the freezer for safe keeping. The shelf life should be for 3 months. Reheat in the oven until completely heated throughout.
Which side dishes are suitable for this meal?
A fresh simple green salad, boiled vegetables or roasted carrots can be served as side dishes.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Casserole is a timeless classic,welcoming the consumer to take satisfactions of layered taste and creaminess all at once. It requires minimal effort and can be prepared on a weeknight or a special occasion with equal ease.
