Description
Hearty cowboy meatloaf & potato casserole combines rustic ranch flavors with comforting textures. Savory layers of ground beef, cheese, and potatoes create a satisfying meal that transports Western dinner traditions to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) minced meat
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup bacon bits
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup Mexican cheese mix
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup rusk (bread crumbs)
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 package cooled mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a properly heated cooking environment for the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, diced onions, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, beaten egg, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is uniformly blended.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a well-greased 9×9-inch baking dish, pressing it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring complete cooking.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven and drain any accumulated fat to prevent excess greasiness.
- While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions, creating a creamy and smooth topping.
- Spread the freshly prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer completely covering the cooked meatloaf mixture.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits across the potato surface for added flavor and texture.
- Return the dish to the oven for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly.
- Serve the cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole hot, offering a hearty and satisfying meal for family and friends.
Notes
- Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a leaner or more flavorful option.
- Use homemade mashed potatoes instead of packaged mix for a richer, more authentic taste and better control of ingredients.
- Swap BBQ sauce with chipotle sauce or hot sauce to add a spicy kick and enhance the cowboy-style flavor profile.
- Choose low-fat cheese and turkey bacon for a healthier version without compromising the hearty comfort food experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg