Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Delicious Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Introduction

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a savory, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. This comfort food combines the rich flavors of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon. It’s a meal that appeals to all ages and is sure to become a family favorite.

Combining a classic meatloaf base with a rich and creamy potato topping, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole brings together simple ingredients for a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Moreover, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit your family’s tastes.

What You’ll Need

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowl: For combining the meatloaf ingredients.
• Baking dish: A 9-inch square dish works well for this recipe.
• Potato masher or fork: To ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth.
• Aluminum foil: For covering the casserole if needed.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onions: Adds flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
• 1/3 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together.
• 1/4 cup sweet honey barbecue sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder for the meatloaf.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds a subtle kick of spice.

Potato Casserole

• 1 (24-ounce) package Ore-Ida Steam n’ Mash Russet potatoes: Convenient and quick to prepare.
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine: Adds richness to the potatoes.
• 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk: Makes the mashed potatoes creamy.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the mashed potatoes.
• 1/2 cup bacon bits: Provides a crispy, savory topping.
• 2/3 cup Mexican style shredded cheese mix: Melts beautifully on top.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

• Set the oven to 375°F (190°C): Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
• Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with baking spray: This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, and chili powder: Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish: Ensure it’s evenly spread for uniform cooking.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through: The meatloaf should be firm and no longer pink in the center.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Once the meatloaf is baking, it’s time to prepare the mashed potatoes. This step is crucial for achieving the creamy texture that complements the savory meatloaf.

Cook the Mashed Potatoes

• Cook the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions: Usually, this involves microwaving the Ore-Ida Steam n’ Mash Russet potatoes until they are tender and fully cooked.
• Mash the potatoes until smooth: Use a potato masher or fork to achieve a smooth consistency. This ensures there are no lumps in the final dish.

Mix in the Additional Ingredients

• Add butter or margarine, evaporated milk, parsley, and garlic powder to the mashed potatoes: These ingredients will enhance the flavor and creaminess of the potatoes.
• Stir until everything is well combined: Ensure that the butter or margarine is fully melted and the spices are evenly distributed.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Assemble the Casserole

With the meatloaf base cooked and the mashed potatoes prepared, the next step is to assemble the casserole.

Spread the Mashed Potatoes

• Remove the meatloaf from the oven: Allow it to cool slightly for easier handling.
• Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf: Use a spatula to ensure an even layer. This will create a smooth top layer that holds the toppings well.

Add the Toppings

• Sprinkle bacon bits evenly over the mashed potatoes: The bacon bits add a delightful crunch and savory flavor.
• Top with shredded cheese: Distribute the Mexican style shredded cheese mix evenly over the casserole. This will create a golden, bubbly cheese layer when broiled.

Broil to Finish

To achieve a deliciously crispy top, broiling the casserole is the final step.

Set the Oven to Broil

• Preheat the broiler: Ensure the broiler is hot before placing the casserole inside.
• Broil the casserole for 3-5 minutes: Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The cheese should melt and become bubbly with a golden brown finish.

Let the Casserole Rest

• Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving: This helps the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving & Storage

After preparing your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole, it’s time to think about how best to serve and store this delicious dish. Proper serving suggestions and storage tips will help you get the most out of your culinary creation.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides, making it easy to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Pair with a Simple Green Salad

A fresh, crisp green salad complements the hearty nature of the casserole. Consider a mix of lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, topped with a light vinaigrette.

Serve with Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, add color and nutrients to your meal. The lightness of the vegetables balances the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy leftovers safely and conveniently. Here are some tips to help you store your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole effectively.

Refrigerate Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days: Make sure the casserole is cooled completely before transferring it to the container. This prevents condensation and keeps the casserole fresh.

Freeze for Longer Storage

• Freeze for up to 3 months: If you want to keep the casserole for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Divide the casserole into individual portions for easy reheating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating: This ensures even reheating and maintains the quality of the dish.

Reheating Instructions

• Reheat in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and bake until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Reheat in the microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Variations

One of the best aspects of the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary preferences or experiment with additional ingredients for extra flavor. Here are some creative variations to consider.

Meat Alternatives

Ground Turkey

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this recipe. It provides a similar texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Mix with ground beef: For a lighter version that retains the rich taste of beef, use a 50/50 blend of ground turkey and ground beef.

Ground Pork

• Use ground pork: Ground pork adds a slightly different flavor profile, offering a hint of sweetness and a tender texture.
• Combine with ground beef: A mix of ground beef and pork can result in a more flavorful and moist meatloaf.

Vegetarian Options

• Lentils and mushrooms: For a meatless version, use cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. These ingredients provide a hearty texture and absorb the seasonings well.
• Vegetarian meat substitutes: Products like Beyond Meat or other plant-based ground options can be used to create a vegetarian-friendly casserole.

Additional Ingredients

Vegetables

• Diced bell peppers: Add color and sweetness to the meatloaf mixture with diced bell peppers. They also contribute additional nutrients.
• Mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms blend seamlessly into the meatloaf, enhancing its flavor and moisture content.

Cheeses

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor that pairs well with the savory meatloaf.
• Monterey Jack: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy taste.
• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick, use Pepper Jack cheese. It adds a layer of heat without overpowering the dish.

Herbs and Spices

• Fresh herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the meatloaf mixture for a burst of aromatic flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with additional spices such as smoked paprika or cumin to give the casserole a unique twist.

FAQs

Addressing common questions about Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole can help ensure your cooking process is smooth and successful. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this recipe.

How long do you cook cowboy meatloaf & potatoes?

• Typically, the meatloaf is baked for 20-25 minutes, followed by broiling for 3-5 minutes: This cooking time ensures that the meatloaf is fully cooked and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Always check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C).

What is Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole?

• A hearty casserole combining ground beef meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes, topped with cheese and bacon: This dish marries the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf and mashed potatoes, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

How many calories are in a cowboy meatloaf & potato casserole?

• Approximately 600-700 calories per serving: The caloric content can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. This estimate includes the rich ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and bacon, which contribute to the hearty nature of the dish.

What to serve with Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole?

• Ideal sides include a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts: These sides complement the richness of the casserole, adding balance and nutrition to your meal. Additionally, a light vinaigrette on the salad or a bit of lemon juice on the vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast.

Print