Cowboy Meat And Potato Casserole

Cowboy Meat and Potato Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together classic elements of comfort food with a Western twist. This casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef mixed with onions, barbecue sauce, and spices, baked to perfection for a savory base. Topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes enriched with cheese, bacon, and crispy fried onions, this dish offers a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.

Finished under the broiler to achieve a golden, crispy top, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Serve with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for added zest, and enjoy a taste of hearty, cowboy-inspired cuisine.

Cowboy Meat And Potato Casserole

Ingredients

¾ cup of chopped onion

⅓ cup dried bread crumbs

1 pound lean ground beef

¼ cup your choice Barbecue sauce

2 tsp chili powder

¾ tsp salt

1 egg beaten

Potatoes

1 package instant butter flavored mashed potato mix

⅔ cup evaporated milk

1 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

¼ cup crispy fried onions

⅔ cup Monterey Jack shredded cheese

Instructions

Heat the oven to 375*, lightly spray a 9×9 baking pan

Using a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, barbecue sauce, bread crumbs, egg and spices.

Press the meat mix into the bottom of the sprayed pan

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes

Remove from oven and drain grease off carefully

In another bowl, make the instant potatoes and mix with evaporated milk, cheese, dried onions, butter and bacon

Spread the potato mix on top of the meat and sprinkle with shredded cheese, bacon and dried onions.

Place under a broiler, 6 inches from the broiler, and broil for 3 minutes.

Serve with an additional serving of Barbecue sauce if you would like.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Preparation: Preheat the oven and prepare a 9×9 baking pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick to the pan during baking.

Meat Mixture: Combine lean ground beef with chopped onion, barbecue sauce, dried bread crumbs, beaten egg, chili powder, and salt. Mixing these thoroughly in a large bowl ensures even distribution of flavors. Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Baking uncovered allows the meat to cook through and develop flavor.

Draining Grease: After baking the meat for 20 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and drain excess grease. This step helps reduce the fat content and prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.

Potato Layer: While the meat is baking, prepare the instant butter flavored mashed potatoes according to package instructions, using evaporated milk for extra creaminess. Mix in shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped parsley, butter, and garlic powder for added flavor. Fold in cooked and crumbled bacon and crispy fried onions to enhance the texture and taste of the potatoes.

Assembly: Spread the prepared mashed potato mixture evenly over the cooked meat layer in the baking pan. Ensure the potatoes completely cover the meat mixture.

Toppings: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese, bacon pieces, and crispy fried onions over the top of the potato layer. This adds a crunchy texture and savory flavor to the casserole.

Broiling: Place the assembled casserole under a preheated broiler, positioned about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for about 3 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving: Serve the Cowboy Meat and Potato Casserole hot, optionally with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for added flavor. This dish is rich and filling, perfect for a comforting family meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh mashed potatoes for the instant mix.

Prepare them as you normally would and adjust seasoning to taste.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy?

After baking the meat layer, carefully drain off excess grease before adding the potato topping.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Bake it when ready to serve, allowing a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s chilled.

What can I substitute for evaporated milk?

You can use regular milk or cream as a substitute for evaporated milk in the mashed potatoes, though the texture and richness may vary slightly.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for added heat.

What are good side dishes to serve with Cowboy Meat and Potato Casserole?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or cornbread.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Ensure the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual servings in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire casserole covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.