Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Bake That Brings the Whole Family to the Table!
There’s something deeply satisfying about layering hearty meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheese all in one dish. My mom used to make this after long school days—it was like a warm hug on a plate. Now I make it on Sundays when I want everyone to gather, smile, and leave no leftovers behind!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (already prepared)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish and press it down.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked, then carefully remove and drain any fat.
Spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer evenly.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles on top.
Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with chopped green onions before serving if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 435 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Printable Summary
| Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Summary | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions |
| Instructions | Prepare meatloaf layer and bake. Drain fat. Top with mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon. Bake again. Garnish with green onions and serve hot. |
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! It’ll still be delicious and slightly leaner.
Can I prepare this a day ahead?
Absolutely. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before the second bake and cook straight from frozen—just add 15 minutes.
What sides go well with this?
Try a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal.
