Oh, let me tell you about this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole! If you’re looking for a meal that just screams “comfort” and “home,” this is it. It’s one of those dishes that makes the whole house smell amazing while it’s baking, and it’s so satisfying. I’ve been making this for years, and it’s always a huge hit with my family. It’s not fancy, but it’s incredibly delicious and hearty – pure, unadulterated comfort food that’s perfect after a long day.

Why This Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a Must-Try

Seriously, you’re going to love this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. It’s designed to be super easy, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You basically just layer everything in a pan, and the oven does all the hard work!

It’s incredibly easy to make: Minimal prep, maximum flavor. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get such a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table.
Pure comfort food: Savory meatloaf nestled right up against tender, buttery potatoes? It’s a match made in heaven. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Hearty and satisfying: This isn’t a light meal; it’s a proper, filling dish that will keep everyone happy and full. Your family will be asking for seconds, guaranteed!
Flavor explosion: The spices in the meatloaf blend perfectly with the seasoned potatoes. It’s a taste of classic American cooking that just feels like home.

Gathering Your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather everything you need for this amazing Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. It’s really straightforward, but paying attention to the details makes all the difference. You’ll want to have your ingredients ready to go so you can just layer them up and get this deliciousness in the oven. Trust me, the smell alone is worth it!

Essential Meatloaf Mixture Components

First up, the star of the show – the meatloaf! We’re talking about 1.5 pounds of good, lean ground beef. Then, grab 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs to help bind it all together. You’ll need 1 large egg, just give it a quick whisk before adding it. And don’t forget 1/4 cup of finely chopped yellow onion for that classic savory punch, plus 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to season it just right.

Preparing the Hearty Potato Topping

Now for those perfect potatoes! You’ll need about 2 pounds of potatoes. I like using Yukon Golds because they get so creamy, but russets work great too. Just peel them and slice them about 1/4-inch thick – try to keep them pretty uniform so they cook evenly. Then, you’ll need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, and another 1/4 cup of milk to make them nice and tender. Of course, we’ll season them up with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper too.

Crafting Your Perfect Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s super simple, and the results are just incredible. We’re going to build this dish layer by layer, and before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling, delicious Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole ready for the oven. It’s all about getting those flavors married together perfectly.

Mixing the Flavorful Meatloaf Base

First things first, let’s get that meatloaf mixture ready. In a big bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Add in that finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s a little trick: mix it gently with your hands. You don’t want to overwork the meat, or it can get tough. Just mix until everything is combined. It should hold together nicely when you press it.

Assembling the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Layers

Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Take that meatloaf mixture and press it down across the bottom. Make sure it’s a nice, even layer – this helps it cook through properly. Next, grab those seasoned potato slices. Arrange them right on top of the meatloaf. Try to cover the meatloaf completely, layering them as evenly as you can. This way, you get that creamy potato goodness with every single bite of meatloaf.

Baking Your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole to Perfection

Okay, oven time! Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s ready, cover that baking dish tightly with foil. This is important for the first part of baking because it helps steam the potatoes and cook the meatloaf through without drying out. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. After an hour, carefully take off the foil. You’ll want to bake it for another 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered. This lets those beautiful potatoes get nice and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender, and the meatloaf is cooked through. For more on safe cooking temperatures, check out the FoodSafety.gov cooking temperature chart.

Resting and Serving Your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Almost there! Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This little rest lets everything settle, making it easier to slice and serve. Then, just cut into hearty portions and enjoy this amazing Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole! If you’re looking for other hearty dishes, you might enjoy our Hobo Casserole.

Tips for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Success

Alright, so you’ve got the recipe, but a few little secrets can take your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole from good to absolutely *amazing*. It’s all about those small touches that make a big difference in the final dish. Trust me, these little pointers will help you nail it every time.

Ingredient Quality Matters for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Seriously, start with good stuff! A nice lean ground beef really makes the meatloaf flavorful without being too greasy. And for the potatoes, fresh is best. They just have a better texture and flavor than anything pre-cut or bagged. It really does make a difference!

Achieving the Best Texture in Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

When you’re mixing the meatloaf, be gentle! Overworking it can make it dense and tough. Just mix until everything is combined. For the potatoes, try to slice them as evenly as you can. This makes sure they all cook at the same rate, so you don’t have some mushy and some still firm. It’s all about those tender potatoes and juicy meatloaf! For more tips on cooking potatoes, you can check out this guide on how to cook potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Got questions about this amazing Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward dish, but sometimes we all need a little clarification to make sure things turn out just right. Here are a few things people often ask.

Q: Can I make this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole ahead of time?
You totally can! You can assemble the whole casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time since it’ll be cold, but it’s a lifesaver for dinner prep!

Q: What kind of potatoes are best for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole?
I really love using Yukon Gold potatoes for this. They have a wonderful creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavor that just melts in your mouth. Russets work great too, they’ll give you a slightly fluffier potato layer. Just make sure you slice them evenly so they cook through perfectly!

Q: How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
The trick is not to overmix the meatloaf mixture – just combine everything until it’s incorporated. Also, make sure you cover the casserole tightly with foil for the first hour of baking. This traps the steam and moisture, keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy. That little bit of milk and the egg also help a ton!

Q: Can I add cheese to my Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole?
Oh, absolutely! If you want to jazz it up, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the potatoes during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, when you remove the foil. It gets all melty and delicious. It’s a fantastic addition! You might also like our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

Nutritional Estimate for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Alright, so this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is definitely a hearty meal! While exact numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific brands and cuts you use, a typical serving (about 1/6th of the casserole) usually clocks in around 650 calories. You’re likely looking at about 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Remember, this is just an estimate, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with for this delicious dish! For more general nutritional information, you can consult resources like the MyFitnessPal database.

Cowboy Meatloaf & Potato Casserole: 1 Comfort Dish

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring savory meatloaf mingled with tender potatoes, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
Arrange the seasoned potatoes evenly over the meatloaf mixture.
Cover the dish with foil.
Bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender and meatloaf is cooked through.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the potatoes.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking is also delicious.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Cowboy Meatloaf Potato Casserole, meatloaf, potato, casserole, comfort food, hearty meal