Meatloaf Bowl with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty meatloaf bowl features juicy, tender meatloaf piled high with ultra-creamy mashed potatoes and topped with rich homemade gravy for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.
Also try my Meatloaf with Bacon Topping, Bacon for a Crowd, and Bobbie Sandwich for the perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.
Key Takeaways:
- Meatloaf bowls combine classic meatloaf with mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, rice, or roasted vegetables for an easy all-in-one meal.
- This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and using leftover meatloaf.
- Cauliflower mash creates a lower-carb alternative without sacrificing comfort food flavor.
- Brown gravy or traditional meatloaf glaze adds extra moisture and richness.
- Lean ground beef, turkey, pork, or a combination of meats all work well.
- Fresh herbs, shredded cheese, crispy onions, or roasted vegetables make excellent toppings.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making meatloaf bowls ideal for lunches throughout the week.
- High-protein and low-carb versions can easily be made by swapping mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.
- Homemade meatloaf bowls are freezer-friendly and simple to prepare in advance.
- This comfort food recipe is family-friendly, customizable, and ready with everyday pantry ingredients.
Overview
A meatloaf bowl is a modern comfort food meal that combines slices or crumbles of homemade meatloaf with a hearty base such as mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, rice, or vegetables. It’s typically finished with rich brown gravy or meatloaf glaze and topped with vegetables, cheese, or fresh herbs for a complete one-bowl dinner. This meal is popular because it’s easy to customize, ideal for meal prep, and transforms classic meatloaf into a convenient, satisfying bowl. Recipe creators often offer healthier variations using cauliflower mash, lean ground beef, turkey, or high-protein ingredients while keeping the same comforting flavors. Community discussions also highlight meatloaf bowls as one of the best ways to enjoy leftovers since the flavors develop even more after a day in the refrigerator.
Meatloaf bowl with mashed potatoes and gravy is the ultimate all-in-one comfort food meal. I recently picked up a fun new kitchen gizzy—at least that’s what Farmer Fred calls all my latest kitchen gadgets! This handy pan creates perfectly shaped edible bowls that are great for both sweet and savory recipes. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check out my brownie bowl recipe, where it makes rich, delicious brownie bowls with ease.
After seeing how well it worked for desserts, I knew it would be perfect for making a hearty meatloaf bowl, and it did not disappoint! These meatloaf bowls turned out incredibly tender, flavorful, and downright delicious. I combined three of my favorite comfort foods—classic meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich homemade gravy—into one satisfying dish that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. Pair it with a crisp green salad, and dinner is complete.
Make the Meatloaf
The meatloaf is made with a flavorful blend of two parts ground beef and one part ground pork. Season it with dry onion soup mix (any flavor works well), ketchup, and steak sauce for a rich, savory taste. The dry onion soup mix adds incredible flavor with just one packet, making this recipe both simple and delicious. This meatloaf recipe makes enough for 6 hearty meatloaf bowls.
As the meatloaf bakes, some of the fat may drip onto the bottom of the oven. Place an old baking sheet or cookie sheet underneath the meatloaf pan to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier. Once baked, allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the mold. Run a butter knife around the edges of each mold to gently loosen the meatloaf before lifting it out. Removing it too early can cause the meatloaf bowl to break apart. Even if it crumbles a bit, don’t worry—it will still be incredibly delicious. Simply pile on the creamy mashed potatoes and finish with a generous drizzle of homemade gravy.
Make Super Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Use red potatoes, white potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest mashed potatoes—skip the russet potatoes. Peel and boil the potatoes in generously salted water until they are fork-tender. Pass the cooked potatoes through a potato ricer to remove any lumps and create an ultra-smooth, velvety texture. Blend the potatoes with butter and Half and Half until rich and creamy. Finish with plenty of crispy bacon for the ultimate comfort food. Farmer Fred always says, “The best way to get me to eat mashed potatoes is to pile on the bacon!” And he’s absolutely right.
Make the Gravy and Assemble.
Make the gravy with homemade beef stock. A deeply flavorful homemade beef stock creates the richest, most savory gravy for this meatloaf bowl. If you don’t have homemade stock available, store-bought beef stock or broth works well, or simply use your favorite prepared beef gravy for a quick and delicious option.
To assemble: Heap the meatloaf bowl with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, then ladle the homemade beef gravy over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor. This comforting meatloaf bowl pairs perfectly with green beans tossed in sage browned butter or a crisp garden salad.
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Meatloaf Bowls with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Equipment
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- dessert bowl maker pan (see notes)
Ingredients
MeatLoaf
- 1 lb. ground beef 80% lean
- ½ lb. ground pork
- ½ cup bread crumbs unseasoned
- 1 pkg dry onion soup mix any brand
- 2 tbsp steak sauce
- 2 eggs beaten
- ⅓ cup Ketchup
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon
- 2 lbs potatoes eastern white or Yukon gold, peeled
- ¼ cup butter melted 1 stick
- 2/3 cup half and half hot but don't boil
- 4 pieces bacon cooked until crispy
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Brown Gravy
- 2 tbsp bacon fat from frying the bacon
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- ⅓ cup flour all-purpose
- 2 cups beef Broth homemade beef stock is best
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Meatloaf
- preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix together the meat, breadcrumbs, dry onion soup mix,
- Whisk together the eggs, steak sauce, and ketchup.
- Pour the egg mixture over the meat and stir to mix well.
- Spray the individual wells of the dessert bowl maker pan. Divide the meatloaf equally. The meatloaf will be even with the top of each well.
- Bake for 30 minutes, let cool for at least ten minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge of the mold. Make sure the meatloaf is loose from the sides. Put a baking sheet over the pan and flip the pan upside down. The meatloaf bowls should come out easily when you lift the pan up off the mini meatloaf bowls.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Make ahead and reheat just prior to filling the meatloaf bowls.
- Peel and boil the potatoes until soft. (about 22 minutes) Drain and put them through a potato ricer. The ricer makes perfectly smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes. If you don't have a ricer, mash with a potato masher and set aside.
- Place the potatoes in a mixing bowl and add 1/2 of the Half and Half, while beating on a low speed until mixed in, Add the rest of the Half and Half, and beat briefly on low to mix in.
- Add the butter in two separate additions beating on low between additions. Beat just until potatoes are light and fluffy. Don't overbeat. Set aside until ready to fill the meatloaf bowl. Then reheat and stir in the bacon bits.
Assembly
- Place the meatloaf bowls on a serving platter or individual plates. Use a medium-size scoop to over fill each bowl with the mashed potatoes. Pour the gravy over the top and garnish with some parsley. Serve immediately with more gravy on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ:
Can I use all beef instead of a beef and pork mix for the meatloaf?
What’s the best potato type for mashed potatoes?
What if I don’t have a gizzy pan for the meatloaf bowls?
Can I make the gravy without homemade beef stock?
How do I prevent the meatloaf bowls from falling apart?
What can I use as a garnish for the meatloaf bowl?
Final Thoughts
This Meatloaf Bowl is the definition of comfort food made easy. With juicy homemade meatloaf, fluffy mashed potatoes, and rich savory gravy layered together in one bowl, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner that everyone will love or a creative way to enjoy classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes, this Meatloaf Bowl delivers big flavor in every bite. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, extra gravy, or even a sprinkle of cheese to make it your own. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share your favorite variations, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
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