If you’ve ever craved the ultimate comfort food dinner — one that combines creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness, and a hearty meatloaf — this Mashed Potato & Meatloaf Pie is it. Imagine a savory meatloaf base shaped like a pie crust, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of rich brown gravy. Each slice is pure comfort on a plate — warm, filling, and bursting with flavor.
This recipe brings together two family favorites — meatloaf and mashed potatoes — into one show-stopping dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or even potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You know those recipes that make everyone run to the table the moment they smell it? This is one of them! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Mashed Potato and Meatloaf Pie:
🍽️ Comfort Food Fusion: Two classics — mashed potatoes and meatloaf — come together in one hearty dish.
👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist creamy mashed potatoes over a savory meatloaf base.
🕒 Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover mashed potatoes? This recipe is the most delicious way to use them.
❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Assemble ahead and freeze for an easy dinner later.
🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheddar on top gives every bite a rich, golden finish.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this layered comfort food masterpiece.
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve:
- Warm brown gravy, homemade or store-bought
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a picture-perfect Mashed Potato and Meatloaf Pie every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep-dish pie plate or a 9-inch round baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix just until combined — overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared dish, pressing up the sides slightly to create a meatloaf “crust.”
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Carefully drain any excess grease from the dish after baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf is baking, warm up or prepare your mashed potatoes. Stir in butter, milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The texture should be smooth and creamy but thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 5: Add the Potato Layer
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf base. Use a spatula to smooth the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Step 7: Optional Broil
For an irresistible golden crust, switch your oven to broil for 2–3 minutes — just long enough to brown the top beautifully.
Step 8: Serve
Let your pie cool slightly before slicing. Serve each portion with a generous drizzle of brown gravy and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Tips for Success
✨ Don’t Overmix the Meat: Lightly mix to keep your meatloaf tender and juicy.
🥔 Use Leftover Potatoes: This is a perfect way to repurpose mashed potatoes from another meal.
🧀 Try Cheese Blends: Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add new flavor twists.
🕓 Make Ahead: Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
❄️ Freeze for Later: Freeze the unbaked pie (without cheese) for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pie can be served as a complete meal, but if you want to add a few sides, try these delicious pairings:
- 🥦 Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans for a fresh contrast.
- 🥗 Crisp Garden Salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- 🥖 Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls for soaking up extra gravy.
- 🍷 A glass of red wine or iced tea to complete the meal.
Variations to Try
🌶️ Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
🧅 Caramelized Onion Mash: Mix caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes for deeper flavor.
🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Version: Add roasted garlic to both the potatoes and the meatloaf for a flavor-packed punch.
🥕 Hidden Veggies: Finely grate carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
🍠 Sweet Potato Swap: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweet-savory combo.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
To freeze, wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated and bubbly.
Why This Recipe Works
This Mashed Potato and Meatloaf Pie delivers all the elements of a classic comfort meal — tender beef, creamy potatoes, and rich gravy — but combines them into a single, easy-to-serve dish. The layered presentation is not only beautiful but practical: every slice has the perfect ratio of meat, potato, and cheese.
It’s an excellent dish for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep. You can bake it once, slice it up, and enjoy ready-made portions throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners, few dishes can rival the hearty satisfaction of a Mashed Potato & Meatloaf Pie. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and comforting — the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.
So the next time you’re craving comfort food or need an easy way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, give this recipe a try. One bite, and it just might become your new family favorite!