Classic Meatloaf with Herbed Mashed Potatoes
A hearty meatloaf infused with herbs, paired with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 90 minutes pairs ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 eggs
- 1 onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 beaten egg, 1 finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp thyme.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: While the meatloaf cooks, mash 2 cups potatoes with 1/4 cup milk, 1 tbsp butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Serve the meatloaf alongside the herbed mashed potatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Meatloaf with Herbed Mashed Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Meatloaf with Herbed Mashed Potatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Meatloaf with Herbed Mashed Potatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Meatloaf with Herbed Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Meatloaf with Herbed Mashed Potatoes?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to beef dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 60-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
