This isn’t your ordinary meatloaf recipe! Forget dry, crumbly textures – this dish boasts melt-in-your-mouth minced meat nestled in a creamy potato base, infused with vibrant tomato sauce and fragrant dill.
Prepare to be amazed as you witness the magic: fluffy mashed potatoes transform into a savory cradle for juicy, flavorful meatloaf, topped with a golden-brown cheese crust. It’s a showstopper that’s sure to become a family favorite, leaving everyone asking for seconds (and the secret recipe!).
Ingredients
For the Potato Base:
- 500g (1.8 oz) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 liters (68 fl oz) water
- 30g (1.1 oz) butter
- 10g (0.4 oz) salt
- 5g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 25g (0.9 oz) fresh dill, chopped
For the Meatloaf:
- 100g (3.5 oz) tomato sauce
- 20ml (0.7 fl oz) olive oil
- 5g (0.2 oz) dried oregano
- 5g (0.2 oz) salt
- 600g (21 oz) ground meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 70g (2.5 oz) breadcrumbs
- 5g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 10g (0.4 oz) salt
- 5g (0.2 oz) garlic powder
- 5g (0.2 oz) sweet paprika
- 100g (3.5 oz) grated cheese
- 5g (0.2 oz) fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Base: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Mash with butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in dill and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 24cm (9-inch) baking dish with olive oil.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce, olive oil, oregano, and salt. Add ground meat, onions, egg, breadcrumbs, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the meatloaf mixture, spreading it out evenly. Cover with the remaining mashed potato mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve hot. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness and witness the surprised smiles from your loved ones!
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or crumbled tofu.
- Add your favorite herbs and spices to the meatloaf mixture for a personalized flavor twist.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Get ready to experience a culinary revelation with this unique and delicious recipe! Share your photos and feedback in the comments below.
