Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: A Timeless Comfort Feast
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Introduction
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic embrace on a plate. This classic, hearty combination has warmed kitchens and hearts for generations, offering the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors. With its golden-brown meatloaf, fluffy buttery potatoes, and rich, velvety gravy, this dish is the ultimate expression of home-cooked love.
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Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
· 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and moisture)
· 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
· 1 large egg, lightly beaten
· ½ cup onion, finely chopped
· ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
· ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Optional glaze: ¼ cup ketchup + 1 tablespoon brown sugar + 1 teaspoon mustard
For the Mashed Potatoes:
· 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
· ½ cup warm milk (or cream)
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
· ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
· Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
· 2 tablespoons meatloaf drippings (or butter)
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1½ cups beef broth (or pan drippings + broth)
· Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions & Methods
1. Preparing the Meatloaf
· Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment.
· In a large bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs; let soak for 5 minutes.
· Add ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands or a fork—do not overmix.
· Transfer mixture to the loaf pan or shape into a freeform loaf on the baking sheet.
· Optional: Mix glaze ingredients and spread over the top before baking.
· Bake for 50–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Making Mashed Potatoes
· Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
· Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
· Drain well and return to pot. Mash potatoes using a ricer, masher, or hand mixer.
· Warm milk and butter together, then gradually beat into potatoes until smooth.
· Stir in sour cream (if using), and season with salt and white pepper. Keep warm.
3. Preparing the Gravy
· After removing meatloaf, pour drippings into a measuring cup; skim fat if desired.
· In a saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of drippings (or butter). Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
· Gradually whisk in beef broth (and any remaining drippings). Cook, stirring, until thickened—about 5 minutes.
· Season with salt and pepper. Strain if a silky texture is desired.
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History of the Dish
Meatloaf traces its roots to ancient Roman times, where minced meats mixed with spices and bread were documented in Apicius’s cookbook. The modern American version gained popularity during the Great Depression as a frugal way to stretch meat with fillers like breadcrumbs and oats. Mashed potatoes have been a staple since the 1700s in Europe, and gravy evolved as a flavorful way to enhance and moisten both dishes. Together, they became a mid-20th-century American dinner-table icon.
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Nutritional Benefits
· Protein-rich: Ground beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins.
· Energy-giving: Potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C.
· Customizable: Use lean beef or turkey, whole-grain breadcrumbs, and low-fat milk for a lighter version.
· Comforting and satisfying: This meal balances macronutrients while offering emotional satisfaction through familiar flavors.
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Why This Dish is Loved
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Its lovers appreciate:
· Versatility: Adaptable to personal taste—add cheese, herbs, or switch up the glaze.
· Family-friendly: Appeals to all ages and is perfect for weeknights or Sunday supper.
· Leftover magic: Meatloaf sandwiches the next day are almost as prized as the original meal.
· Culinary nostalgia: Evokes memories of family gatherings and simpler times.
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Conclusion
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy represents the heart of comfort food—nourishing, familiar, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re recreating a family recipe or discovering it for the first time, this meal promises warmth and contentment. Serve it with a side of steamed green beans or buttery corn, and savor each delicious bite of this timeless classic.
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Serving Suggestion: Plate a thick slice of meatloaf alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, draped in rich gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy with loved ones and create new food memories together.