Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes 🥔

No meatloaf emoji?? Let’s work on that.

I’m kicking it old school here with this timeless retro classic. Meatloaf was a staple in every household in the 1950’s, so over the years took on an outdated, kitschy stereotype. But its sooooo good and deserves a comeback. Plus, it’s a snap to make. What’s outdated about a fast, hot, delicious meal? Nada.

I’ve been making this since before I had kids. It’s nice to go back to our oldies but goodies. It feels homey and safe, the way home-cooked food should feel. I like to serve this with mashed potatoes. Rice or quinoa work nicely too. A simple, clean starch that will let the meatloaf have the spotlight. A side dish sometimes just serves as a support.

Ingredients:

A pound (and a quarter) of extra lean ground beef or turkey

One egg lightly beaten

A tbps each of garlic power and paprika OR Jerusalem spice. If using paprika you can add a tsp of cumin.

Half a tsp dried thyme

A tsp salt and tsp pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Line a loaf pan with foil, spraying the foil well with nonstick spray. Gently mix all ingredients and pour into pan. You can sprinkle any type of breadcrumbs on top if you like. Either way, drizzle olive oil on top of the meatloaf to crisp it up. It makes a difference. Bake for one hour. Slice and serve. Feel free to add half a cup of your favorite finely diced veggie, such as onions, any color pepper, or carrots. Not necessary, but I’d give it a light sauté for a couple minutes to start to enhance the flavors.

While the meatloaf bakes, peel and chunk six potatoes, doing more for a larger group. Everyone has a version of mashed potatoes they love, but after boiling the potatoes in salted water until soft, I mash mine with homemade chicken stock and sprinkle on some garlic powder. This eliminates unhealthy margarine and packs it with flavor. Add the stock a half cup first, then add more little by little according to your preferred texture. I like mine chunky. Make sure you serve this in pearls and an apron with a psychotic smile plastered on your face. You know, the one hiding the evil suburban thoughts swarming in your head that die with Ambien each night. Not that I would know...