Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

If there’s one thing all moms can agree on, it’s that we all love a good home-cooked meal that’s easy to make and that the kids will actually eat.

This is the best cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole recipe, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters and easy enough for even novice cooks to make.

Plus, the mashed potatoes on top are a delicious finishing touch.

The recipe is simple, and it can easily be tailored to your liking.

So go ahead and give this meatloaf casserole recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why is this such a good recipe?

• The meatloaf is easy to make, and the ingredients are ones that are normally on hand already. Just combine, bake, and enjoy.
• This easy Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole for beginners is easily customizable to change the taste to your liking.
• Make a large meal quickly, and have leftovers for several delicious days.
• It’s easy to swap out several ingredients in this recipe for different ones, so you don’t need to worry if you’re out of something.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef: The star of your meatloaf casserole. If you enjoy meatloaf with more than just beef, feel free to add pork sausage or even ground turkey to the beef.
• Refrigerated mashed potatoes: Premade mashed potatoes are the easiest and quickest topping to this casserole.
• Egg and bread crumbs: Together, these ingredients act to bind the meatloaf together, and ensure it won’t fall apart once taken out of the casserole dish.
• Onion, chopped: Onions add a delicious taste to the meatloaf, as well as a little extra moisture.
• BBQ sauce and chili powder: BBQ sauce is an essential part of what gives meatloaf its signature taste, and chili powder adds just a little heat to the meatloaf.
• Mexican blend cheese: For the most authentic cowboy-ish taste, Mexican blend cheese is the way to go. This is usually a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso blanco, and you can usually by it pre-packaged at the store.
• Bacon pieces: What goes better with the taste of potatoes and cheese than bacon pieces?
• Salt and pepper to taste: Add as much or as little salt and pepper as you like.

Instructions:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2. While the oven heats up, in a mixing bowl, add 1 lb. of ground beef.

Step 3. Then, add ½ large onion…

…1 large egg…

…¼ cup of BBQ sauce…

…⅓ cup of breadcrumbs…

…and 2 tsp. of chili powder to the bowl with the beef.

Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste.

Mix everything in the bowl together to combine completely. You can use a spoon, a spatula, or your hands to mix everything.

Step 4. Press the meat mixture firmly into a 9×9 well-greased baking dish.

Step 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 6. Drain the extra fat.

Step 7. Cook the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions.

Step 8. Spread the cooked potatoes over the meatloaf mixture in the baking dish.

Step 9. Top the potatoes with the shredded cheese and bacon pieces.

Step 10. Set the oven on broil, and broil the casserole for several minutes, until the cheese is melted.

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Tips for Success

When the casserole goes into the oven for the last time, keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.

Make sure to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. It will be very hot when you take it out of the broiler!

Storage & Reheating

Once the casserole is cooled to room temperature, wrap the dish tightly in plastic, or place the leftover food in an airtight container. The leftovers can then be placed in the refrigerator and kept for up to 4 days.

To reheat your leftovers, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the casserole dish on a baking tray. Heat for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

For a healthy Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole version, a simple green salad, steamed vegetables or even roasted vegetables make a great side for this casserole.

This recipe makes about 6 large servings.

FAQ:

How long should the meatloaf rest before slicing it?

I would say no more than 30 minutes. This is enough time to let the casserole cool down and to allow the flavors to blend together.

How do I keep the meatloaf moist?

I believe in using good quality meat, and a good dose of moisture, whether that is tomato paste, oatmeal, and eggs. The onions in this quick Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole recipe will help keep the meatloaf moist as well.

What is the ratio of meats that I should use?

I find the best ratio is ⅔ ground beef and ⅓ ground pork. Of course, this varies, depending on who makes it. Feel free to experiment and see what ratio of meats works for you.

How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart if I don’t have bread crumbs?

You need to use binders to help your meatloaf stay together. These binders are ingredients such as eggs, milk, bread crumbs, oatmeal, or even rice. Packing the meatloaf tightly into the loaf pan will also help the meat retain its shape.

Are there easy variations?

Are there ever! For your own homemade Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole ideas, you could top the meatloaf with a layer of mashed potatoes before baking. You could also add in a variety of different vegetables, like peas or diced green peppers, to the meatloaf.

This simple Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole meal really shows how easy it can be to make something delicious using only ingredients you likely already have on hand. There’s something so satisfying about putting such pantry goods together and creating something the whole family will love.

More Incredible Meatloaf Recipes to Try

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf – This recipe combines two classic comfort foods, making it the perfect meal for any occasion.

Parmesan Meatloaf – It is loaded with flavor and of course plenty of cheese! One of my favorite.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – SO GOOD!

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese – This recipe brings you the famous flavors of potatoes and cheese!