When the weather turns cold, everyone wants a good hot meal that sticks to their ribs. This is the season that we turn to good ole comfort food. Today, the work I’m whipping in my kitchen is Meatloaf and Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

There’s nothing like a flavorful meatloaf with a delicious brown gravy, creamy buttery mashed potatoes, and a healthy vegetable as the faithful sidekick. I’m putting a spin on my meatloaf in honor of Super Bowl XLVI – even though I’m still p##### my Saints are out!

I’m shaping my meatloaf like a football on game day and serving it as the main event…after my party pals run through the snacks! So grab your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and make it happen with me, baby! AND, listen to my “Get Da Paper” track below so we can JAM while we cook!

Step 1: Make ‘Ya Groceries:

Mmmm Mmmm Baby Meatloaf:

1-1/2 lbs. ground beef or turkey

1 pkg. onion soup mix

3 garlic cloves, chopped fine

1/2 yellow onion, chopped fine

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

2 tablespoons of parsley

1 cup of breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon of liquid smoke

2 tablespoons of brown sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon of ketchup

1 mozzarella string cheese stick [if you’re making the football shaped meatloaf]

2 tablespoons of butter

Homemade New Orleans Style Brown Gravy:

1/2 cup of flour

1 cup of beef broth

1 tablespoon of butter

Drippings from your baked meatloaf

1/2 teaspoon of thyme

Salt & Pepper to taste

3 cups of water

1/2 teaspoon of Kitchen Bouquet

Creamed Mashed Potatoes:

6 potatoes cut into chunks

1/4 cup of evaporated milk

1/2 stick of butter

Step 2: Follow My Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, combine all of your ingredients. Once everything is evenly mixed, transfer it to your baking pan.

If you’re making a traditional meatloaf, mold the meat mixture into a oval shape or use a loaf pan to shape and bake.

*If you’re rolling with me for game day, shape your meatloaf like a football using a tablespoon to carve and perfect the edges. Use your string cheese to mimic the football laces. Use butter to coat your pan.

Bake for 1 hour.

Step 3: Make ‘Ya Gravy:

Melt butter over a medium heat in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk together until it becomes a smooth golden paste. Add meatloaf drippings to the paste and whisk until smooth. Lower heat to medium low.

Add broth, water, and Kitchen Bouquet and whisk together for about 2 minutes.

Add thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low heat for an additional 15 minutes, adding more water or broth, if needed.

You can always use your favorite gravy pack if you’re not ready to make your gravy from scratch yet.

Step 4: Make ‘Ya Potatoes

Bring 6 to 8 cups of water to a boil, and add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water. Add potato chunks and boil until tender.

Drain potatoes once tender, but DO NOT rinse them. You can use a mixer or potato masher to whip or mash the potatoes until smooth.

Add evaporated milk and butter, and mix evenly. You can add more salt and butter, depending on your taste.

Step 5: Make ‘Ya Corn & Peas

You can mix either frozen or canned peas and whole kernel corn together. I like to add a tablespoon of butter, a teaspoon of sugar, and a half-teaspoon of salt. Cook on a low fire for about 10 minutes.

*Butter and sugar substitutes can also be used to make this meal.

Step 6: Get it in, ‘ya heard!?

Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@TheRealMiaX), check out my favorites for music and recipes, and join my clique, #TeamWhipDemPots!