This delicious Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole combines the best of both worlds – a hearty meatloaf packed with flavorful spices and a creamy potato casserole that is the epitome of comfort food.
The meatloaf is seasoned with a tantalizing blend of garlic, onion, and chili powder, giving it a bold and smoky taste. But the real star of the show is the potato casserole, with its creamy, cheesy goodness that perfectly complements the juicy meatloaf. Together, they create a truly satisfying meal that will have your taste buds singing with delight. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a delightful cowboy twist!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 1 lb. Ground beef
- 1 Package of premade refrigerated mashed potatoes
- ⅓ C. Bread crumbs
- ½ Large onion chopped
- ¼ C. BBQ sauce
- 1 Large egg
- 2 tsp. Chili powder
- 1 C. Bacon pieces
- 1 C. Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Making Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine the ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, bbq sauce, egg, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Pat the meat mixture firmly into a greased baking dish that measures 9×9 in size.
- Cook the dish in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it is fully cooked.
- Drain the extra fat.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by following the instructions provided on the packaging.
- Evenly distribute the cooked potatoes on top of the meatloaf mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover the potatoes with the grated cheese and bits of bacon.
- Set the oven to the broil setting and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is carefully melted.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Understand Your Ingredients: The key to a perfect Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole starts with understanding your ingredients. Ground beef with a higher fat content (around 20%) ensures juiciness, while the premade refrigerated mashed potatoes should be creamy and well-seasoned for the best flavor layering.
Seasoning is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Salt and pepper are basics, but the chili powder, BBQ sauce, and onions add depth. Taste your meat mixture before cooking (you can cook a small portion if you’re worried about raw meat) to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
Mixing the Meat: When combining your meatloaf ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender, juicy result.
Cooking to Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatloaf is cooked perfectly. The ideal internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). Remember, the meatloaf will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it’s okay to pull it out a few degrees early.
Let it Rest: Allowing your meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing can make a world of difference. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful when you slice into it.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Sides: While the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, serving it with a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad can balance the meal beautifully. The freshness of the vegetables contrasts nicely with the richness of the casserole.
Bread Options: A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls can be perfect for soaking up any sauce or juices on the plate. Their crispy texture adds a nice contrast to the softness of the casserole.
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or a Zinfandel, pairs wonderfully with the meaty, savory flavors of the casserole. The wine’s fruitiness can complement the BBQ sauce’s sweetness and the chili powder’s spice.
Storage Tips
Cooling Down: Before storing any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which could make the topping soggy.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the casserole will last for 3-4 days. To extend its shelf life, consider separating the meatloaf and potatoes before storing.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to consume it within 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the casserole was frozen, allow for a longer reheating time. Cover with foil to prevent the top from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and ensuring that your BBQ sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Absolutely. While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Keep in mind that leaner meats might require additional moisture, so consider adding a bit more BBQ sauce or an extra egg.
What if I don’t have premade mashed potatoes? You can make your mashed potatoes from scratch. Boil peeled potatoes until tender, mash them with butter, milk, and seasoning to taste. Ensure they’re cool before spreading them over the meatloaf mixture.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish? Incorporating vegetables into the meatloaf mixture is a great way to add nutrition and flavor. Consider finely chopping vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini and mixing them in with the ground beef.
Why did my meatloaf fall apart? If your meatloaf falls apart, it might be due to a lack of binders like eggs and breadcrumbs, or because it was sliced into too soon after cooking. Ensure you’re using enough binding ingredients and allow it to rest before slicing.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. Ground beef
- 1 Package of premade refrigerated mashed potatoes
- ⅓ C. Bread crumbs
- ½ Large onion chopped
- ¼ C. BBQ sauce
- 1 Large egg
- 2 tsp. Chili powder
- 1 C. Bacon pieces
- 1 C. Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine the ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, bbq sauce, egg, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Pat the meat mixture firmly into a greased baking dish that measures 9×9 in size.
- Cook the dish in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it is fully cooked.
- Drain the extra fat.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by following the instructions provided on the packaging.
- Evenly distribute the cooked potatoes on top of the meatloaf mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover the potatoes with the grated cheese and bits of bacon.
- Set the oven to the broil setting and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is carefully melted.
