Description
This cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and melted cheese in one hearty pan that feeds a hungry family with minimal fuss. You’ll love how the savory layers bake up bubbly and comforting for an easy dinner win.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup chopped onion, ½ cup chopped bell pepper, ¼ cup milk, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased baking dish, carefully forming a compact loaf shape with your hands. Make sure the loaf is centered and even.
- Drizzle ½ cup barbecue sauce over the entire surface of the raw meatloaf, creating a complete coating that will caramelize during baking.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and develop a rich, golden exterior.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the meat retain its juices and makes slicing easier.
- Spread 4 cups of prepared mashed potatoes evenly across the top of the meatloaf, creating a smooth, thick layer that covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the mashed potato layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melted cheesiness.
- Return the casserole to the 350°F oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden around the edges.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy and ensure a tender texture.
- Let the meatloaf rest after the first baking to help it hold its shape and make slicing easier.
- For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
- Enhance flavor by adding chopped crispy bacon or a dash of smoked paprika to the meatloaf mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg