Meat And Potato Loaf
A hearty meat and potato loaf blending savory ground beef with seasoned mashed potatoes, ideal for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a flavorful, filling dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes in salted water until tender; drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
- Mash potatoes, adding about 3 tablespoons of the reserved liquid to achieve a stiff consistency.
- Stir in snipped parsley, crushed thyme, and crushed marjoram into the mashed potatoes.
- Season the potato mixture with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
- Combine lean ground beef with 3/4 teaspoon salt and beaten eggs, mixing well.
- Add finely crushed saltine crackers, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, and catsup to the beef mixture; mix thoroughly.
- Shape the beef mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread the prepared mashed potato mixture evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes until cooked through and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding grated cheese to the mashed potatoes or mixing in some sautéed onions with the beef. If you're short on saltine crackers, crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs can work as substitutes. Ensure your potatoes are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the loaf, which can affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat and potato loaf with a side of green beans or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Old Fashioned Herb Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner spread. A dollop of extra catsup or a tangy barbecue sauce on top can enhance the flavors even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of tomato sauce can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat And Potato Loaf contains roughly 436 calories, with 14g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (258% of the Daily Value), iron (116% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2299mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef. Just be aware that these meats can be leaner, so you may need to add a bit more moisture, such as an extra egg or a splash of broth, to maintain the loaf's texture.
What can I serve with meat and potato loaf?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed peas, or even a light coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the saltine crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the tomato sauce and catsup, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).