The Ultimate Comfort Food for Meat and Potato Lovers
If you love hearty, comforting meals that bring warmth to the dinner table, this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the perfect dish for you! Combining the rich flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy after a long day, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, layered casserole ready to serve.
- Perfect for meal prep – This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
- Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, bacon-packed goodness.
- Customizable – You can easily switch up ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
To make this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 package of premade refrigerated mashed potatoes
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
- ½ large onion, chopped
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 cup bacon pieces
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Skillet (if cooking your own bacon)
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked. Carefully drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions. If you prefer homemade mashed potatoes, boil and mash about 2-3 medium potatoes with butter and milk.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spread the warm mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf base.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon pieces over the mashed potatoes.
Step 7: Broil to Perfection
Turn the oven to broil and place the casserole back inside for 2-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!
Recipe Variations and Swaps
- Swap the cheese – Try using sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Make it spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Try a different protein – Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.
- Go homemade – Use freshly made mashed potatoes instead of premade for a richer taste.
- Add veggies – Mix in corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Food and Drink Pairings
- Side Dishes – Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
- Beverages – Pair with a cold glass of sweet tea, a light beer, or a bold red wine like Zinfandel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, refrigerate it, and then bake it when ready to serve. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of premade ones?
Absolutely! Boil 2-3 medium potatoes, mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and use them as a substitute.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
You can swap the BBQ sauce for ketchup or a mix of Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar for a similar tangy flavor.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of regular bread crumbs.
How do I make it healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and turkey bacon to lighten it up while keeping the flavors delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for the whole family. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out!
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