Here’s a hearty, all-in-one comfort food classic: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. It layers savory meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a cheesy topping — like meatloaf and shepherd’s pie had a Southern-style baby!
🤠 Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Layer:
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1½ lbs ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
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½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
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1 egg
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½ cup finely chopped onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Potato Layer:
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3–4 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
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½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
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¼ cup milk or cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
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1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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4–6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but recommended)
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2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
🥣 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meatloaf Base:
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In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
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Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a flat meatloaf layer.
3. Bake the Meatloaf:
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until mostly cooked through (internal temp should reach ~155°F).
4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
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While meatloaf bakes, mix mashed potatoes with sour cream, milk, and a bit of salt/pepper until creamy.
5. Layer & Top:
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Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf.
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Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top (optional).
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Sprinkle with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Bake Again:
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Return to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Optional: Broil the top for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese.
7. Serve:
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Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve.
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Garnish with chopped green onions.
✅ Tips:
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Add diced jalapeños to the meat or cheese layer for a spicy cowboy twist.
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Sub in sweet potatoes for a more Southern flavor.
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This dish makes great leftovers and reheats well.