Description
Cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole is a hearty comfort food dish made with a savory meatloaf base, creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. It’s a family-style dinner that’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the barbecue sauce. Mix until just combined.
- Press mixture evenly into prepared baking dish and spread remaining barbecue sauce on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until nearly cooked through.
- While baking, prepare mashed potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Remove meatloaf from oven and spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over potatoes, then top with crispy fried onions.
- Return dish to oven and bake 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and top is golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños for smoky or spicy flavor.
- Use instant mashed potatoes for a shortcut.
- Mix in corn or green beans with potatoes for extra texture.
- Swap barbecue sauce for ketchup or chili sauce for different flavor.
- Try pepper jack or cheese blends for extra melt and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
