Hello, dears! Today, I’m thrilled to guide you through an amazing and delightful dish: Cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole. My family simply adores this dish for its richness and spicy taste.
Let’s dive into the recipe, highlighting the unique aspects and benefits of this dish, and I’ll share some personal tips to make it truly unforgettable.
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Why is it so popular?
Cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that has been a staple on dinner tables for generations. Its popularity stems from its comforting nature and versatility, allowing for endless variations and modifications. What sets this recipe apart is the luscious mashed potato layer that tops the juicy meatloaf, creating a delightful contrast of textures. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Ingredients
| Products | Description |
|---|---|
| For the Meatloaf: | |
| Ground Meat | The star of the topping—Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes works best. |
| Breadcrumbs | This makes the dish even more satisfying and tasty. |
| Eggs | I make minced meat myself; I don’t really like buying it. But if I’m in a hurry, I always have a package of minced meat in the freezer. It must be juicy. |
| Onion and Garlic | I add garlic almost everywhere because I just love its flavor. And the onion adds even more richness and juiciness. |
| BBQ Sauce or Tomato Ketchup | Choose a sauce that has a pleasant smoky smell and smoked paprika flavor. It will be just an explosion of taste. |
| Seasonings | Here you can add whatever you like to the meat. In addition to the traditional salt and pepper, I also like to add paprika and thyme. |
| For the Mashed Potatoes: | |
| Potatoes | The star of the topping—Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. |
| Milk or Cream | Combined with potatoes, this creates an incredibly tender consistency. |
| Butter | Of course, oil also adds its aroma and tenderness. |
| Salt | Add gradually, and taste the purée to avoid oversalting. |
| For the Topping: | |
| Hard Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix for a melty, golden crust. |
| Bacon (optional) | For a smoky, crispy addition. |
| Fried Onions (optional) | Adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine 500g ground meat, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce or tomato ketchup, 1 tsp each salt, and paprika, 1/2 tsp each black pepper and dried thyme. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf for about 45 minutes, or until fully cooked.
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Making the Mashed Potatoes:
- Next, I peel a kilogram of potatoes and cut them into medium cubes. I pour the potatoes into a saucepan with water and a pinch of salt and cook for about 15 minutes. I pierce one of the cubes with a knife and if it is soft, everything is ready.
- Then I pour out the water from the bowl and add half a glass of milk and 60 g of butter to the potatoes. Now you need to make mashed potatoes, for this, I mash the potatoes well and add a little salt at the end.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes. If desired, add 4 crumbled bacon slices and 1/2 cup fried onions.
Final Baking:
All you have to do is wait about 15 more minutes until the cheese bakes in the oven and becomes gently golden. You can take it out of the oven and enjoy it.
Variations and Modifications
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian alternatives.
- Substitute sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a low-carb version.
- Try adding sliced tomatoes, green onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Read also: Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce Recipe In Just 4 Steps
Cooking Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- For juicier meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
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FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Of course, take your favorite one.
Can I freeze leftovers?
For 2 whole months, you can enjoy a delicious dish. But be sure to wrap it in foil before putting it in the freezer. If you have unexpected guests, you can warm everything up in the oven. It will taste like freshly prepared.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, there is freedom for your imagination and taste.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, there is convenient storage in both the refrigerator and freezer.
Cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 500 g ground meat beef, or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce or tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 1 kg potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet peeled and chopped
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 4 tbsp butter
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded hard cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, optional
- ½ cup fried onions optional
Instructions
- Preparing the Meatloaf:In a large bowl, combine 500g ground meat, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce or tomato ketchup, 1 tsp each salt, and paprika, 1/2 tsp each black pepper and dried thyme. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf for about 45 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Making the Mashed Potatoes:Next, I peel a kilogram of potatoes and cut them into medium cubes. I pour the potatoes into a saucepan with water and a pinch of salt and cook for about 15 minutes. I pierce one of the cubes with a knife and if it is soft, then everything is ready. Then I pour out the water from the bowl and add half a glass of milk and 60 g of butter to the potatoes. Now you need to make mashed potatoes, for this, I mash the potatoes well and add a little salt at the end.
- Assembling the Casserole:Once the meatloaf is cooked, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes. If desired, add 4 crumbled bacon slices and 1/2 cup fried onions.
- Final Baking:All you have to do is wait about 15 more minutes until the cheese bakes in the oven and becomes gently golden. You can take it out of the oven and enjoy it.
Nutrition
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and enjoying this delicious dish as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with me on Pinterest using the hashtag #aniacookingrecipes. Happy cooking!
My name is Ania, and I am very glad to see you here. I have always loved cooking; even some of my earliest memories are flipping through a cookbook and making pudding standing on a stool because I was too small to reach the stove.
You should know that I am not a professionally trained chef, just a big food lover who grew up in a family obsessed with cooking and focused on what we eat.
Saved as a favorite, I like your website!
I made the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole and it was a hit! The meatloaf was flavorful and juicy, while the mashed potatoes on top added the perfect creamy texture. The combination of hearty ingredients made for a comforting and satisfying meal that my whole family loved. It’s an easy, one-dish recipe that I will definitely be making again!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later. All the best
This Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is pure comfort food! The flavors were so hearty and delicious, and it was a hit with the whole famil