Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
A hearty layered casserole with savory meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. Smoky, tangy, and comforting, this cowboy-inspired dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 2 lbs
- Eggs: 2 large
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Milk: 1/2 cup (for meat mixture)
- Onion, finely chopped: 1 medium
- Barbecue sauce: 1/2 cup, plus extra for topping
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped: 3 lbs
- Butter: 4 tbsp
- Milk: 1/2 cup (for mashed potatoes)
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: 2 cups
- French fried onions: 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared dish, pressing down gently. Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the meatloaf layer is cooked through.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the baked meatloaf layer.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle French fried onions over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Use freshly mashed potatoes for the creamiest texture, but instant potatoes can be substituted in a pinch.
- Add a splash of sour cream to the mashed potatoes for extra tang and creaminess.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing so the layers hold together neatly.
- For a smoky flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika on top before baking.
Find it online: https://tastyze.com/cowboy-meatloaf-and-potato-casserole-2/