If you’re looking for a hearty, comfort food dish that combines the best of meat and potatoes, look no further than Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. This dish is a fun and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, featuring layers of flavorful ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, and savory seasonings. It’s a meal-in-one that is sure to satisfy even the hungriest crowd and is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic with a creative twist!
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Potato Layer:
- 3-4 cups mashed potatoes (use leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made)
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for creamier mashed potatoes)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup bacon bits (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
Tip: If you like a bit more kick, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
3. Press the Meatloaf into the Pan
Once the meatloaf mixture is well combined, press it evenly into the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Make sure to spread it out to form a uniform layer. You can top it with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if you’d like more flavor on top of the meatloaf layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through but not yet fully browned on top.
4. Prepare the Mashed Potato Layer
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potato layer. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, warm them up slightly in a pot. If making fresh, boil peeled and diced potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, sour cream (or cream cheese), and shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: For even more flavor, fold in green onions or garlic powder into the mashed potatoes. You can also use a potato masher or hand mixer for smoother mashed potatoes.
5. Layer the Potatoes Over the Meatloaf
Once the meatloaf has baked for about 25-30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
6. Add Toppings
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potato layer. For an extra smoky, savory flavor, add bacon bits on top. This gives the casserole a classic “cowboy” touch!
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the casserole back into the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once fully baked, remove the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Slice into squares and serve hot. Pair this casserole with a fresh salad, green beans, or roasted veggies for a complete, hearty meal.
Tips for Success:
- Mix in Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra vegetables, feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots into the meatloaf mixture.
- Adjust the Meat: You can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or even substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Leftovers: This casserole makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the savory goodness of meatloaf with the creamy richness of mashed potatoes, all topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon. It’s an all-in-one meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a homestyle dinner, this casserole will hit the spot every time.
