Ania Cooking Recipes

August 4, 2024

Cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole

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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NuWave Oven — Image credit: Pinterest.com

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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.

Potato and meat — Image credit: Pinterest.com

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.

Variations of the dish — Image credit: Pinterest.com

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.

I love these containers. You know what’s great about them? They’re great for the fridge and freezer.

Meal in the containers — Image credit: Pinterest.com

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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.

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5 from 5 votes

Cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole

This hearty casserole combines a classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a savory cheese topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish layers flavorful meatloaf with buttery mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and optional crispy bacon and fried onions for added texture.

Prep Time20

Cook Time1

Total Time1 20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: Baked meatloaf, Cheese topping, Mashed potatoes, Meatloaf casserole, Potato casserole

Servings:

Calories: 215kcal

Author: Ania Cooking Recipes

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!