Description
The Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Recipe is a hearty comfort food that layers juicy ground beef meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese into one delicious dish. It’s simple, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf Base
- 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
For the Potato Layer
- 5–6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & diced
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crispy fried onions
- Bacon crumbles
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, and seasonings. Mix until just combined.
- Bake meat layer: Press mixture evenly into dish. Bake 20–25 minutes until mostly cooked.
- Prepare potatoes: Boil diced potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes). Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Spread mashed potatoes evenly over meatloaf layer. Top with cheese and optional toppings.
- Bake again: Return to oven for 15–20 minutes, until cheese melts and top is golden.
- Rest & serve: Let sit 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use 85/15 ground beef for the juiciest results.
- Drain potatoes well before mashing to prevent a watery casserole.
- Season each layer (meat and potatoes) separately for balanced flavor.
- Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.
- For extra richness, mix cheese or sour cream into the mashed potatoes.
- Add crispy fried onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños for flavor and texture.
- Make ahead option: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Pair with salad, roasted veggies, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 480kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg