Hands down, this is my hubby's favorite way to eat meatloaf!

Now, darlin's, let me tell you about a dish that brings comfort to the table like a warm hug from your mama—it's Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole. This dish is the perfect marriage of two beloved classics: the hearty, savory flavor of meatloaf and the creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes. Back in the day, busy hands needed to create filling meals that could feed a crowd, and this casserole does just that. It’s a staple in our community potlucks and a favorite at Sunday family dinners. When you're looking to serve up something that'll stick to your ribs and warm hearts, this is the one to make.

Now, when it comes to serving this casserole, you’ve got options as wide as a cornfield. A fresh green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette dresses up the plate with some color and crispness, cuttin' through the richness. For those who feel like a little extra, a side of buttery cornbread or some stewed green beans fits as nicely as a glove on a chilly mornin'. This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it sure does appreciate good company.

Servings: 6-8

- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F, like warming yourself by the stove in winter.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, ketchup, garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Just get on in there with your hands—there's no tool can match 'em.

3. Press the meat mixture into a greased baking dish (9x13 inches should do), shaping it like the foundation of a hearty meal.

4. Bake your meatloaf base for about 45 minutes, or until the meat's as cooked through as a sunny afternoon in July.

5. While the meatloaf bakes, if you aren’t using leftover mashed potatoes, go ahead and whip up your mashed potatoes. Stir some sour cream into them for extra richness and spread it evenly over the baked meatloaf like a fluffy blanket.

6. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, as generous as the morning dew.

7. Pop it back into the oven and cook for another 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, like the top of a crackling fireplace.

8. For a touch of color, garnish with parsley before serving, as pretty as a Sunday dress.

- For an extra zesty kick, mix a bit of BBQ sauce into your ketchup.
- You can switch the beef out for turkey or a mix of meats, like they’d do when the hunt was plentiful with variety.
- Sneak in some veggies such as finely chopped carrots or bell peppers into the meat mixture for those picky eaters to get their greens.
- If you’ve got mashed sweet potatoes on hand, use 'em in place of regular mashed potatoes for a sweet twist on tradition.
- Do you have leftovers? They reheat as nicely as a quilt warms cold toes, making this dish just as good the next day.

Sharing recipes from my kitchen to yours has been a joy and a privilege, as much as passing down a family quilt. May your meatloaf be moist, your potatoes creamy, and your company delightful. Enjoy, and remember, the best ingredient is always a scoop of love!