Is there anything more comfort-foody than a meatloaf? Combine that with a hearty potato casserole, and you've got a meal that'll wrap you up like a cozy blanket on a breezy Midwest evening. This Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a nod to rustic, homestyle cooking with a modern twist, perfect for those of us who need a little bit of country comfort after a long day at the grind. With layers of savory meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes crowned with a sprinkle of cheese, it's a dish that'll have friends and family hankering for seconds.
For a full-on comfort meal, a side of buttered green beans or sweet corn pairs wonderfully with this casserole. If you're looking for a little freshness on the side, a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette can add that bit of lightness to balance out the richness.
Advertisement
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
Servings: 6
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup milk, beaten eggs, BBQ sauce, and a good pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Press the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, sour cream, and 1/4 cup milk. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the meatloaf cooks through and the cheese melts to a bubbly, golden brown.
7. For extra crunch and flavor, top with crispy fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking, if desired.
8. Remove from the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh chives before serving.
Advertisement
Variations & Tips
- If you're pressed for time, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. I won't judge; we've all been there!
- Feel free to mix up the cheeses! A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack or a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a new twist.
- For the barbecue lovers, consider drizzling extra BBQ sauce on top before serving.
- For a leaner version, try using ground turkey instead of beef and pork. Just keep an eye on it as turkey tends to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
- And hey, if you’ve got leftovers, they reheat like a dream, making for an envy-inspiring office lunch the next day!
- Feel free to mix up the cheeses! A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack or a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a new twist.
- For the barbecue lovers, consider drizzling extra BBQ sauce on top before serving.
- For a leaner version, try using ground turkey instead of beef and pork. Just keep an eye on it as turkey tends to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
- And hey, if you’ve got leftovers, they reheat like a dream, making for an envy-inspiring office lunch the next day!