If you’re feeling extra hungry today, you should definitely give the cowboy meatloaf a try.
Complete with protein, starches, and fat, this casserole is a complete meal all on its own.
I do suggest you double the recipe, though. It’s as hearty as it is addictive, so I’m sure you’ll want more than just a slice.
While the roster of ingredients is a tad lengthy, don’t be intimidated.
If you look closely, they’re all common necessities I’m sure you already have in your pantry!
Plus, thanks to items such as pre-cooked mashed potatoes and packaged French-fried onions and bacon, it’s a lot easier than you think.
Cowboy Meatloaf
If you think meatloaf couldn’t get any better, think again!
This cowboy meatloaf is the stuff of legends. It’s not just for cowboys and cowgirls, but anyone who’s extra hungry.
When I say this meatloaf is fully loaded, I mean it. It’s not just a meatloaf, but a hearty casserole.
It has moist and juicy meatloaf at the bottom and creamy mashed potatoes on top.
Consider it as a mash-up between American meatloaf and English shepherd’s pie.
Boy, this is the crossover you didn’t know you needed.
What to Serve with Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole
Cowboy meatloaf is already a very filling dish as it is. But still, meals are just more fun with sides!
Make your lunch or dinner table more exciting with these perfect meatloaf accompaniments.
Serving meatloaf to a huge crowd? Dinner rolls are a great way to stretch out a dish into an even more hearty meal.
This recipe is a copycat of Texas Roadhouse rolls. It calls for yeasted dough, which means you’ll need to wait a while before you bake it, but it’s worth it.
This meatloaf is extra rich and heavy, so something light and refreshing like green beans can really balance things out.
If you think there’s no way you can improve the taste of a bland can of green beans, think again! I have 11 ways to spruce up green beans in this article.
Pair that savory meatloaf with something sweet and buttery. This cornbread perfectly fits the bill.
With a wonderfully moist and tender crumb, this cornbread is irresistible. Together with meatloaf, they make a heavenly pair.
Whatever your main entree is, mac and cheese is always a good idea. If you’re looking for a side dish that no kid can refuse, the search is over.
Think of corn pudding as the love child of corn custard and corn casserole.
It’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with corn goodness all throughout.
Tips and Tricks
- I like to use Ore-Ida’s mashed potatoes for convenience, but you can also whip up the mashed potatoes yourself. Feel free to infuse the potatoes with your choice of herbs and seasonings as well.
- Stick to 80/20 to 85/15 lean ground beef for best results. Any leaner or fattier than that, and your meatloaf will be dry or greasy, respectively.
- For a healthier alternative, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- When you’re not on a time crunch, shred your own cheese. Not only is blocked cheese cheaper, but it also melts a lot better.
- Give the casserole even more substance by adding a layer of cooked frozen vegetables (such as peas, corn, and carrots) before the potatoes and cheese. This is an easy way to incorporate veggies into your kids’ diets. Sauteed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers work great as well.
- To make it ahead, follow the recipe but skip the broiling. Once it’s cooled, cover the meatloaf with plastic wrap and foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve it, remove the wrappings and cover with foil. Bake it for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Broil it for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Have leftovers? Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an air-tight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you reheat it.
More Incredible Meatloaf Recipes to Try
Alton Brown Meatloaf
Trisha Yearwood Meatloaf
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Boston Market Meatloaf
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
8
servings35
minutes10
minutes290
kcalGive this cowboy meatloaf a try for a hearty, irresistible meal! With layers of meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes, you won’t be able to get enough of this recipe.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onions
1/3 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup sweet honey barbecue sauce (i.e. Kraft)
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 (24-ounce) package Ore-Ida Steam n’ Mash Russet potatoes
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup bacon bits
1/4 cup French fried onions
2/3 cup Mexican style shredded cheese mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch square baking dish with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir the ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, beaten egg, and chili powder until well combined. Press the meat mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Test for doneness with a meat thermometer. It should read 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Just before the meat is done, microwave the potatoes per the package instructions. Then, transfer them to a medium bowl and mix in the butter, milk, parsley, and garlic powder. Gently mix in the bacon bits and French-fried onions right before adding the potato to the meat dish.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and turn on the broiler. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Place the baking dish 4 inches from the heat. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Let the cowboy meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
16 Responses
I made the cowboy meatloaf tonight, and oh my gosh, it was so incredibly good!! I made it just as the recipe stated, except I added a layer of green beans underneath the potatoes and probably a LOT more cheese than I should’ve, but it was so decadent! Thank you for posting! This one’s getting put in the monthly rotation! 🙂
There’s really just no such thing as too much cheese, Marcy! I’m right there with you on that!
Great recipe and easy to prepare.
Hi Lloyd, so happy you liked it!
what can I replace these potatoes with? I’ve never seen those in the store.
Hi Tammy, this recipe calls for frozen, pre-made mash to save on time. If you prefer, you can use any brand of pre-made mashed potatoes. Just skip the evaporated milk. Or make your own with Russet potatoes, Idaho or Yukon Golds. Here’s my favorite mashed potato recipe if you need it: https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/best-mashed-potatoes/
Hey, you stole my cheeseburger pie recipe. My mom made it for years and I am over 65, lol. The only difference is I use a deep dish pie pan and sliced American cheese on the meat, then the potatoes topped with more cheese. I like a spoonful of horseradish in the potatoes. This is such a good easy dinner.
Haha!
That’s just a testament to how delicious it is, Alison! <3
Are you sure this isn’t just shepherds pie with beef instead of lamb?
Hi Archie!
You’re right, they are very similar.
This is the American version, which uses BBQ sauce and chili powder.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie typically calls for homemade gravy with tomato, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce 🙂
I make this 1-2 times a month, but I put a 16oz can of creamed corn on top of the ground beef before the potatoes…
Sounds delicious, Jay!
Try using a can of creamed corn! I know sort of moving towards a shepherds pie; but if you like corn in a simple sumptuous 1 pan meal, Dan good!!😜
I made this recipe just as written. For one person, the size is perfect and I’ll be able to freeze some for future meals. The smell in my kitchen right now is amazing.
Made this last night. It was big hit in my house. Instead of using the microwavable potatoes, we used the leftover mashed potatoes we made previously. I did add green pepper to the mix too. Meatloaf isn’t same without it. It turned out amazing, even my picky eaters enjoyed this dish. It was similar to a shepherds pie dish. Will definitely be making this again and again!!
So glad it turned out yummy! 🙂