If you’ve been searching for a hearty, satisfying meal that combines the best of classic comfort flavors, you are going to fall in love with this Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe. Imagine a savory meatloaf base infused with a perfect blend of spices, topped with creamy mashed potatoes layered with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a touch of green onion for freshness. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings all the familiar tastes together in one easy-to-make casserole, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role: from juicy ground beef to the richness of cheddar and sour cream, and those crispy bacon bits that add that irresistible crunch.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty foundation that makes this dish truly comforting and filling.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender by absorbing liquids evenly.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the meat mixture.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Provides a subtle tang and a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder that holds the meatloaf mixture together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers subtle, savory depth to both the meatloaf and potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the flavor complexity without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of herby brightness to the meatloaf layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning; balances and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle bit of heat and earthiness.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional): A flavorful glaze that can be brushed on for smoky, tangy notes.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The comforting, creamy topping with a naturally fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Makes mashed potatoes luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Enriches potatoes with a smooth, buttery taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the potatoes with mild savory hints.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the potato flavors to perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth to the creamy potatoes.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed into the potatoes for sharpness and gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Creates a rich, tangy creaminess that elevates the mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top to create a golden, melty crust.
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (or crumbled cooked bacon): Adds a smoky, crunchy finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional): Provides fresh, mild oniony brightness and color.
How to Make Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish using butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, making cleanup easier and the presentation flawless.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Layer
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined — be careful not to overwork the meat to keep your meatloaf tender and juicy.
Step 3: Press Meat Mixture and Optional BBQ Glaze
Evenly spread the meatloaf mixture into the prepared casserole dish, pressing it down gently. If you love a little extra tang and smoky flavor, brush the surface with BBQ sauce before baking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Layer
Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake the meatloaf for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the top has a beautiful browned color.
Step 5: Prepare the Potato Layer
While the meatloaf bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed russet potatoes and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and transfer back to the pot for mashing.
Step 6: Mash Potatoes with Cheese and Sour Cream
Add milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Mash until they reach a creamy consistency, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for that rich, smooth texture that makes this Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Remove your meatloaf layer from the oven and carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over it in an even layer. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions if using. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbly with a tempting golden finish.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes before serving. This rest time helps the layers set for clean portioning and keeps each slice from falling apart.
How to Serve Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions or chopped parsley make bright, colorful garnishes that add a pop of freshness to every bite. If you want a bit more texture, crispy fried onions on top add fantastic crunch and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is hearty by itself, pair it with light sides like a crisp garden salad, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus to add balance and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties. Or try layering the components in a clear glass dish the night before so the beautiful layers show through when baked and served.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping it properly covered prevents it from drying out and helps all the flavors meld even more.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for easy weeknight meals that taste like home-cooked from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until heated through. Remove the foil towards the end for that perfectly melted and golden cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for this Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe, ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork can be great alternatives for a slightly different flavor and texture.
What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese. Both will add the creamy tangy richness the mashed potatoes need without battering the taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure the BBQ sauce you use is gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare it through the assembly stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through when you pop it in the oven.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe is mild and family-friendly with comforting savory flavors. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a little extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those perfect dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple to make, packed with crowd-pleasing flavors, and comforting enough for any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your own home — trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Print
Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered dish featuring a flavorful ground beef meatloaf base topped with creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, bacon bits, and green onions. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines classic American flavors into a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional for extra flavor)
Potato Layer
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (or crumbled cooked bacon)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare casserole dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the meatloaf layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Form meatloaf layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, creating a uniform layer that will serve as the base of the casserole.
- Optional BBQ topping: Brush the top of the meatloaf layer with BBQ sauce if you want an extra depth of smoky, tangy flavor.
- Bake the meatloaf layer: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and has a nicely browned top surface.
- Boil potatoes: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Mix cheese and sour cream: Stir shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream into the mashed potatoes until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble the casserole: Remove the meatloaf layer from the oven. Carefully spread the mashed potato mixture in an even layer over the baked meatloaf to form the second layer.
- Add topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions over the mashed potatoes for added flavor and texture.
- Bake final casserole: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs and add an egg and a bit of grated cheese for binding.
- Optional toppings like chopped fresh parsley or chives can add freshness and color.
