Cowboy Meatloaf And Potato Casserole
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
Looking for a comforting and bold dinner idea that’s packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite? This Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole brings together savory meatloaf, tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and a zesty Tex-Mex sauce in one irresistible dish. Let’s break it down step by step.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1.5 pounds |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Diced onion | 1/4 cup |
| Diced bell pepper | 1/4 cup |
| Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
For the Potato Casserole:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Thinly sliced russet potatoes | 4 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Diced onion | 1/2 cup |
| Diced bell pepper | 1/2 cup |
| Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) | 1/2 cup |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
| Fresh cilantro (optional) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
For the Tex-Mex Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
1. Start with the Meatloaf:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, egg, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
Form into a loaf shape and place in the center of a greased baking dish—this forms the heart of your casserole.
2. Build the Potato Layer:
Surround the meatloaf with the thinly sliced potatoes.
Evenly distribute diced onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and garlic over the potatoes.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top for a melty, cheesy finish.
3. Whip Up the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Adjust the heat to your liking.
4. Add the Sauce:
Generously pour the Tex-Mex sauce over both the meatloaf and the potato layer, coating everything thoroughly for bold, cohesive flavor.
5. Bake It:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, top with chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
7. Plate and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with a hearty scoop of cheesy, saucy potatoes for a full-on comfort food experience.
