Meatloaf Dinner is a classic comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This meal is hearty, filling, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week. With its blend of juicy meatloaf, cheesy mashed potatoes, and flavorful green beans, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Meatloaf Dinner is a great idea because it’s simple and satisfying. You can easily prepare it on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend gathering. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious, making it a fantastic choice for lunch the next day. You’ll love how easy it is to put together a meal that tastes like a warm hug!
How to Make Meatloaf Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 lbs lean hamburger
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp salted sweet cream butter
- 5 pounds Yukon gold russet potatoes
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 2 to 3 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups fresh shredded Colby jack cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 72.5 ounces cut green beans
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup salted butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 16 ounces smoked bacon
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons coffee
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla
Directions
To make the meatloaf, first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, bread crumbs, chopped onion, ground beef, milk, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, minced garlic, garlic powder, ketchup, and brown sugar until everything is nicely combined. Shape this meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Bake for about 1 hour or until the inside reaches 160°F (70°C).
For the cheesy mashed potatoes, start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until they’re tender. Drain and then mash the potatoes together with cream cheese, sour cream, half and half, salted butter, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, and shredded cheese until it’s all smooth and creamy.
Next, for the smothered green beans, melt some butter in a large skillet. Add the brown sugar and soy sauce, and stir in the green beans, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss in the cooked bacon, mix everything well, and heat through.
Finally, for a yummy busy day chocolate cake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) again. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, hot coffee, and vegetable oil. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into greased cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, frost with a mixture of butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, coffee, and vanilla.
How to Serve Meatloaf Dinner
Serve your Meatloaf Dinner hot from the oven, with slices of meatloaf alongside a generous helping of cheesy mashed potatoes and smothered green beans. For a delightful finish, don’t forget your chocolate cake for dessert!
How to Store Meatloaf Dinner
If you have leftovers, allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap it tightly in foil or freezer wrap, and it can last for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Meatloaf Dinner
- Use lean ground beef to keep the meatloaf moist without being greasy.
- Adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini can boost the moisture and nutrition.
- For extra flavor, top the meatloaf with a mix of ketchup and brown sugar before baking.
Variations
Feel free to switch things up! You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter option. Try different cheeses in your mashed potatoes or even add some herbs to the green beans for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before, shape it, and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
2. What can I serve with meatloaf?
Along with cheesy mashed potatoes and green beans, you can serve salad, corn, or even bread for a complete meal.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for best results!
