Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy, cheesy potatoes. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Potato Layer:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly to form a flat layer. This will ensure the meat cooks evenly and forms a solid base for the casserole.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly on top of the meatloaf mixture in the casserole dish. Overlap the slices slightly for even cooking. Season the potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the melted butter over the seasoned potatoes.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream with a little more salt and pepper, then pour it evenly over the potatoes. The cream will help to cook the potatoes and give the dish a creamy texture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, golden-brown crust as the casserole bakes.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole hot, scooping out generous portions that include both the meatloaf and the cheesy potatoes.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Meat: Using a blend of ground beef with a good fat content (like 80/20) ensures the meatloaf stays juicy and flavorful.
- Thin Potato Slices: Thinly slicing the potatoes helps them cook evenly and quickly. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this step.
- Customize It: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, such as grated carrots or chopped mushrooms, for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of pepper jack for some heat.
