1. Prepare the Meatloaf

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a loaf pan with olive oil. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can also form the meatloaf on a baking sheet, but using a pan helps it hold its shape while baking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser meatloaf.

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to ensure an even shape. Once in the pan, spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf to create a glaze. This adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the exterior of the meatloaf as it cooks.

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer. The top should be slightly caramelized, and the meatloaf should be firm to the touch. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.

2. Make the Garlic Mashed Potatoes

While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the garlic mashed potatoes. Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Add the smashed garlic cloves to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking to infuse the potatoes with garlic flavor.

Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

For extra flavor, you can garnish the mashed potatoes with freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatloaf is cooked through and the garlic mashed potatoes are ready, it’s time to serve! Slice the meatloaf into individual portions and serve it alongside a generous scoop of the garlic mashed potatoes. For a touch of color and freshness, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or your favorite herbs.

This meal is perfect on its own, but if you want to make it even heartier, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or even some roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete dinner.