Hearty Cowboy Meatloaf And Potato Casserole Recipe For Tonight

Rustic cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole brings hearty comfort right to your dinner table.

Beef and potatoes merge into a delicious one-pan masterpiece that screams home-style cooking.

Robust ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for hungry crews after long days.

Ranch-style seasonings add a zesty kick that makes every bite memorable.

Layers of savory meat and creamy potatoes meld together in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Simple techniques transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Is a Hearty Dinner

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty meatloaf casserole that brings classic cowboy-style flavors to your dinner table with a mouthwatering combination of ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this dish perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying meal that doesn't require complex cooking techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Combines protein, potatoes, and toppings in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an exciting, crowd-pleasing dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients Needed for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Essential components that help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist and tender.

• Onion, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and aromatic quality to the meatloaf.

• Potatoes: The creamy foundation of the casserole that creates a comforting base.
• Milk, Butter: Ingredients that make the potatoes smooth and rich.

• Cheese, Bacon: Provides a crispy, savory finish with melted richness and smoky crunch.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set the oven to 375°F and ensure the rack is in the middle position for even cooking.

Step 2: Mix Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently blend ingredients and press the mixture into a 9×9 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Initial Baking of Meatloaf

Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Boil Potatoes

Place potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 15 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Create Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Milk
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Mash the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Layer and Top the Casserole

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.

Step 7: Final Baking

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Look for sizzling bacon, bubbling cheese, and slightly crispy potato edges as signs of doneness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into hearty portions and savor the delicious combination of meatloaf, potatoes, cheese, and bacon.

Expert Tips for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Ensure potatoes are fully cooked and tender before mashing to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that spreads easily over the meatloaf.
• Crumble bacon freshly for maximum crispiness and better flavor integration across the casserole surface.
• Drain meatloaf fat completely to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a clean, appetizing presentation.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the meatloaf's binding consistency.

Variations to Try With Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

• Southwestern Spice Splash: Replace plain breadcrumbs with crushed tortilla chips and add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the meat mixture for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Ranch Ranch Remix: Mix ranch seasoning into the meatloaf base and sprinkle additional ranch powder over the potatoes for a tangy, herbal kick that elevates the entire casserole.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes into the meatloaf, then top the potatoes with crumbled feta and chopped fresh parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• BBQ Bacon Blast: Substitute half the ground beef with ground pork, mix in BBQ sauce, and use BBQ-flavored bacon on top for an intense smoky flavor that transforms the classic recipe.

Pairings to Enjoy With Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the hearty meat and rich flavors of this cowboy-style casserole.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Add a tangy, crunchy side salad with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the richness of the meatloaf and provide refreshing contrast.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy American amber ale or a malty brown ale that echoes the rustic, meaty profile of the dish and stands up to its intense flavors.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Include quick-pickled jalapeños or dill pickles to introduce a bright, acidic element that balances the heavy, savory components of the casserole.

Storage Advice for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.

FAQs Regarding Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

The combination of bacon, hearty ground beef, and rustic mashed potatoes create a robust, cowboy-inspired dish that feels like a classic ranch-style meal.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner alternative, but it might result in a slightly less rich flavor compared to beef.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in milk and egg, which help keep the meat mixture moist and tender during baking. Also, avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal planning.

Hefty Cowboy Meatloaf And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole brings rustic ranch flavors to your dinner table with bold southwestern spices. Comfort meets boldness in this one-dish meal that satisfies hunger and delivers rich, savory goodness you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef, 85/15
• 1/2 cup bacon bits, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a 9×9 inch baking dish for the hearty cowboy-style casserole.
2. Gently mix ground beef with finely chopped onions, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
3. Press meat mixture evenly into the baking dish and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then carefully drain accumulated fat.
4. While meatloaf cooks, place potatoes in a pot, covering with water, and bring to a rapid boil over high heat for approximately 15 minutes until tender.
5. Drain potato water completely, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Spread the velvety mashed potatoes over the partially cooked meatloaf, creating an even layer.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon across the potato surface.
8. Return casserole to oven, baking an additional 15 minutes until bacon turns crisp, cheese melts thoroughly, and potato edges develop a golden-brown crispness.

Notes

• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a crisp top layer.
• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Customize the meatloaf by adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy southwestern twist.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 820 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg