Description
Hearty cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole blends rustic ranch flavors with comforting layers of ground beef and creamy potatoes. Rich, satisfying layers promise a delicious meal that connects home cooks with classic American culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Create a harmonious blend of ground beef with breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, BBQ sauce, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Thoroughly combine ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, gently pressing to form an uniform base layer.
- Carefully spread a smooth, even layer of mashed potatoes across the meat foundation.
- Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the potato surface for a rich, melty topping.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the casserole in the center rack.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature and the potato layer develops a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes to set and stabilize.
- Enhance the presentation by sprinkling crispy fried onions and freshly chopped chives across the top.
- Slice and serve the hearty casserole while still warm, ensuring each portion captures the layers of flavor.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by selecting high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier meatloaf.
- Customize the BBQ sauce to match your preferred taste profile, using smoky or sweet varieties for different flavor dimensions.
- Make the dish gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 552 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg