Cowboy Meatloaf And Potato Casserole

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly.

This dish layers a smoky BBQ-spiced meatloaf base with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and crunchy fried onions.

It’s like a backyard BBQ and Sunday dinner rolled into one delicious bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-one meal: Meat, potatoes, cheese, and bacon in every bite.

Full of flavor: A smoky, savory blend of barbecue sauce, chili powder, and bacon.

Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding hungry cowboys (or cowgirls!).

Quick and easy: Uses convenient ingredients like instant mashed potatoes without sacrificing flavor.

Key Ingredients

Ground Beef – Lean and seasoned with BBQ sauce and chili powder for bold flavor.

BBQ Sauce – Adds sweet, smoky depth to the meatloaf.

Instant Mashed Potatoes – A time-saver that becomes creamy and rich with milk and butter.

Cheese – Monterey Jack melts beautifully into the potatoes.

Bacon & Fried Onions – Provide that signature cowboy crunch and salty goodness.

Kitchen Tools

9×9-inch baking dish

Mixing bowls

Spoon or spatula

Broiler-safe oven

Knife and cutting board

Cowboy Meatloaf 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

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Make the Meat Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, barbecue sauce, bread crumbs, chili powder, salt, and the beaten egg. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Bake the Meat Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Carefully remove and drain off excess grease.

Prepare the Potato Topping: In a separate bowl, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to package directions. Stir in evaporated milk, butter, parsley, garlic powder, crumbled bacon, crispy fried onions, and half the shredded cheese.

Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer. Top with the remaining cheese, more bacon, and additional fried onions.

Broil the Top: Place the dish about 6 inches under the broiler and broil for 3–4 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.

Recipe Notes for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Choose the Right Beef
Use 80–85% lean ground beef. Too much fat will create a greasy casserole, but ultra-lean meat may turn out dry.

Don’t Overmix the Meatloaf Mixture
Mix just until combined. Overworking the meat can lead to a dense, tough base.

Drain the Grease Thoroughly
After baking the meat layer, be sure to carefully drain off excess grease—this helps keep the bottom from getting soggy and greasy.

Use Instant Potatoes Wisely
Follow the package instructions closely. Don’t over-whip the potatoes or they can become gluey. Stir in the mix-ins gently to maintain a fluffy texture.

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Customize the Flavor
Adjust the BBQ sauce to your taste—some like it sweeter, some like it smokier. You can even add a little hot sauce or chipotle for a kick.

Cheese Tip
Use freshly shredded Monterey Jack or a blend like Cheddar Jack for better melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents.

Use the Broiler Carefully
Watch the casserole closely during the broiling step—3 to 4 minutes is enough to melt the cheese and crisp the top. Any longer and it can burn.

Let It Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after broiling. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

Make It Your Own
You can sneak in diced veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots into the meat layer for added nutrition and texture.

Make-Ahead Friendly
You can fully assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Meat swap: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Cheese options: Cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack all work well.

Make it spicy: Add jalapeños to the meat or potato layer.

Vegetarian version: Use plant-based meat and skip the bacon or use veggie bacon.

From-scratch potatoes: Replace instant mix with homemade mashed potatoes.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until heated through.

Food and Drink Pairings

Sides:

Southern-style green beans

Grilled corn on the cob

Coleslaw or a simple garden salad

Drinks:

Iced tea

Root beer

A cold craft beer or a bourbon-based cocktail

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use lean ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for beef to make a lighter version of the casserole.

What can I use as a substitute for barbecue sauce?

You can use ketchup or a combination of ketchup and honey for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Adjust baking time as needed.

Is there a way to make the mashed potatoes from scratch instead of using instant mix?

Yes, you can prepare mashed potatoes from scratch using real potatoes.

Boil, mash, and season them according to your preference.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend of your choice can be used instead of Monterey Jack.

What’s the purpose of broiling the casserole at the end?

Broiling helps to brown and crisp the top layer, giving the casserole an appealing texture.

Can I make this recipe without bacon for a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.

Consider adding extra vegetables or a meat substitute.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container.

Reheat in the oven for best results.

How do I adjust the spice level of the casserole?

You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make this casserole in a larger batch for a crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to feed a larger group.

Adjust cooking time accordingly.