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.
