Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Looking to add a bit of Wild West excitement to your dinner? Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is your go-to dish. This hearty meal merges the bold flavors of ground beef, pork sausage, and bacon with creamy mashed potatoes, all crowned with gooey cheese.

Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also promises to impress and delight your guests with a touch of cowboy charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the hearty comfort of meatloaf and the creamy indulgence of mashed potatoes—all baked into one glorious casserole.

With smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese on top, it’s like a cowboy-style hug on a plate. Great for weeknights, potlucks, or just when you need something soul-satisfying.

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Equipment Needed:

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or microwave-safe bowl (for mashed potatoes)
• Oven
• Spoon or spatula

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 package refrigerated mashed potatoes
• ⅓ cup bread crumbs
• ½ large onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 cup bacon pieces
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the meatloaf base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined—don’t overwork it or it can get tough.
3. Shape and bake: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and press the meat mixture into an even layer. Make a shallow indent across the top to catch any juices. Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and edges are slightly browned.
4. Drain the fat: Remove from oven and carefully tilt the dish to drain off any excess fat. Use a paper towel if needed to blot the corners.
5. Heat the mashed potatoes: While the meatloaf is baking, warm the mashed potatoes according to package directions until hot and smooth.
6. Assemble the casserole: Gently spread the mashed potatoes over the baked meatloaf. Use a spatula to get an even, fluffy layer.
7. Top it off: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes, then follow with the bacon pieces.
8. Broil to finish: Turn your oven to broil. Place the casserole back in the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden brown edges. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
9. Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. It holds together better this way and tastes even richer.

Pro Tips:

• Flavor boost: Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for deeper umami.
• Texture hack: Use panko bread crumbs for a slightly crispier meatloaf layer.
• Shortcut bacon: Use store-bought real bacon bits if you’re in a rush, but pan-fried fresh bacon will always taste better.
• Make ahead: You can fully assemble this dish a day in advance (minus the broiling), refrigerate it, then reheat and broil when ready to serve.
• Kid-friendly trick: Add a little ketchup swirl on top of the mashed potatoes before adding cheese—kids love it!

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Steamed Vegetables: Opt for vibrant broccoli, green beans, or carrots to add a healthy crunch.
• Garden Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich casserole.
• Cornbread: Enjoy a slice of warm, buttery cornbread to perfectly complement the savory flavors.

Beverage Pairings:

• Red Wine: A medium-bodied Merlot or Zinfandel enhances the beefy richness.
• Beer: A crisp lager or pale ale pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors.
• Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic choice, a chilled glass of iced tea is refreshing and satisfying.

Presentation Tips:

• Family Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a relaxed, homey feel.
• Individual Portions: For a touch of elegance, plate individual servings and garnish with fresh herbs.
• Rustic Charm: Use country-style dishes and linens to amplify the cowboy theme.

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole offers plenty of flexibility to match diverse tastes and dietary needs. Here are some popular adjustments you might consider:

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for ground turkey to create a leaner dish.
• Sweet Potatoes: For a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients, use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Adding Vegetables:

• Bell Peppers: Incorporate chopped bell peppers into the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Mushrooms: Mix sliced mushrooms into either the meatloaf or the potatoes for a savory kick.
• Spinach: Blend fresh spinach into the mashed potatoes to boost your greens intake.

Dietary Adjustments:

• Dairy-Free: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based options such as almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower mash instead of regular potatoes to keep the casserole low in carbs.

These tweaks let you customize the recipe to fit your preferences and dietary needs, making sure everyone can enjoy this hearty meal.

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