This hearty dish combines the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with creamy potatoes, all baked together in one delicious casserole.
The rich, savory meatloaf is enhanced with a blend of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and thyme, while the thinly sliced potatoes soak up the juices and are topped with melty cheddar cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.
Perfect for family dinners or a cozy weekend meal, this cowboy-style casserole offers a satisfying and filling experience that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Shape and Arrange: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, forming a loaf in the center.
Place sliced potatoes around the loaf, overlapping slightly. Season with more salt and pepper.
Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over meatloaf and potatoes. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and meatloaf is thoroughly cooked.
There are several ways to customize Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole to make it your own.
For a different flavor profile, you can swap out cheddar cheese for options like pepper jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, depending on your taste preference.
Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots around the meatloaf will not only boost the dish’s nutritional value but also bring more texture and color.
If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, and adding seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder can give the casserole a bolder, southwestern flair.
For those avoiding gluten, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
You can also try substituting the potatoes with sweet potatoes, zucchini, or eggplant for a twist.
Just be sure to slice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking, and if you want a crispier texture, bake uncovered a bit longer after adding the cheese.
These variations allow you to adapt the dish to your preferences while keeping the hearty and comforting essence of the original recipe.
How to store:
To store Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
You can refrigerate the casserole for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container.
It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating, thaw frozen casserole portions overnight in the refrigerator, if applicable, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
If reheating from the refrigerator, you can warm it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or use a microwave to heat individual servings.
When making Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole, it’s important to avoid overmixing the ground beef to ensure a tender texture, as overmixing can result in a dense meatloaf.
To make sure the potatoes cook evenly, slice them thinly, or consider parboiling them for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.
Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the meatloaf to set, making it easier to slice.
You can also adjust when to add the cheese, depending on whether you prefer it fully melted into the dish or with a crispy top layer.
For a balanced meal, serve the casserole with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. These tips will ensure a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish every time.