Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great. Just ensure it's cooked thoroughly.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon as dried herbs are more potent.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?

Feel free to add veggies like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a layer of spinach under the meatloaf for added nutrition. I once tried it with finely diced zucchini, and it was surprisingly good!

Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?

Definitely! Use a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

How can I make the meatloaf spicier?

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavor-packed meatloaf, glazed to perfection with a sweet and tangy sauce. Pair that with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes, and you've got a comfort food symphony that'll transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Detroit. This Motown Meatloaf isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that reminds me of family dinners and simpler times. One of my friends, after trying this recipe, told me it reminded her of her grandmother's cooking—high praise indeed!

Growing up, meatloaf was a staple in my household, but it wasn't always the most exciting dish. That is, until I stumbled upon this recipe, inspired by the soulful sounds and flavors of Motown. The secret? A perfectly balanced blend of spices, fresh herbs, and a glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. And let's not forget the mashed potatoes – smooth, buttery, and utterly irresistible. I still recall the first time I made this for a potluck; it vanished in minutes, and I was bombarded with requests for the recipe!

Motown Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Name: Motown Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Cultural-Favorites
Ingredients: 2 lbs Ground Beef; 1 cup Breadcrumbs; 2 large Eggs; 1/2 cup Ketchup; 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tbsp Mustard; 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh Parsley; 1 tbsp, chopped Fresh Thyme; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1 medium, diced Onion; 2 cloves, minced Garlic; 1 tbsp Butter; 2 lbs, peeled and chopped Potatoes; 1/2 cup Milk; 1/4 cup Ketchup (for Glaze); 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Motown Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes: A flavorful meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy glaze, paired with creamy mashed potatoes. Comfort food at its finest!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 140 minutes

📖 Instructions

Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Don't skip this, unless you want a stuck-on mess later! I remember the first time I forgot to grease the pan – what a disaster!
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly. This is key for flavor depth – nobody wants crunchy raw onion in their meatloaf.
Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatloaf will be tough.
Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf. I usually aim for a uniform shape so it cooks evenly. One time, I made it too thick in the middle, and it took forever to cook through!
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. This glaze is what gives it that signature Motown sweetness and tang – don't skimp on it!
Glaze the Meatloaf: Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Make sure to get every bit covered for that beautiful caramelized crust.
Bake the Meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. Trust me, it's worth the investment in a thermometer for peace of mind.
Let it Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf. I know it's tempting to dig in right away, but patience is a virtue here!
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf is resting, peel and chop the potatoes into uniform sizes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. For extra creaminess, you can use a hand mixer.
Serve: Slice the Motown Meatloaf and serve warm with a generous helping of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!