Description

Looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family? Look no further than this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole recipe. Combining the savory flavors of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

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

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 Monterey Jack shredded cheese

Instructions

FIRST STEP: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×9 baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, barbecue sauce, bread crumbs, beaten egg, chili powder, and salt.

SECOND STEP: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

THIRD STEP: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and drain off any excess grease. In a separate bowl, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions. Mix in the evaporated milk, Monterey Jack cheese, dried onions, butter, and cooked bacon.

FOURTH STEP: Spread the potato mixture evenly over the baked meatloaf. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese, bacon, and dried onions on top. Place the casserole under the broiler, approximately 6 inches from the heat source, and broil for about 3 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

FIFTH STEP: Serve your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole with an extra serving of barbecue sauce if desired.

Notes

Serving Tips:

Pair with Vegetables: Serve the casserole with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli, to add a fresh and healthy component to your meal.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Additional Sauces: Offer extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who love a bit more tangy sweetness with their meal.
Balanced Meal: Pair the casserole with a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date, and it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 20-30 minutes. If reheating from the refrigerator, heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. For quick reheating, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
Maintain Moisture: When reheating, cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in the microwave, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.