Looking for a comforting meal that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser?

This Cowboy Meatloaf And Potato Casserole combines savory meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with cheese and bacon.

Perfect for family dinners, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

¾ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup dried bread crumbs
1 lb lean ground beef
¼ cup barbecue sauce of your choice
2 tsp chili powder
¾ tsp salt
1 egg, beaten

For the 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 shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×9 baking pan.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, barbecue sauce, bread crumbs, beaten egg, chili powder, and salt.

Step 3: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking pan. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the pan from the oven and drain any excess grease.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions. Mix in evaporated milk, Monterey Jack cheese, crispy fried onions, butter, and cooked bacon.

Step 6: Spread the potato mixture over the baked meatloaf. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese, bacon, and fried onions on top.

Step 7: Place the casserole under the broiler, about 6 inches from the heat source, and broil for 3 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole with extra barbecue sauce, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, use peeled, boiled, and mashed fresh potatoes. Then mix in the evaporated milk, butter, garlic powder, cheese, bacon, and onions as directed.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

3. What type of barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?

Use any barbecue sauce you enjoy! For a sweeter flavor, choose honey or brown sugar-based sauce. For a tangy option, try a vinegar-based sauce.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread crumbs and confirm that your barbecue sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

6. What can I use instead of evaporated milk in the potato mixture?

Regular milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream can be substituted, though the consistency may vary slightly.