Easy Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
A hearty, cheesy, one-pan casserole combining classic meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheddar, perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 Baking Dish For layering and baking
- 1 Mixing Bowl To mix the meatloaf ingredients
- 1 Spatula To spread mashed potatoes evenly
- 1 Foil For covering when storing or baking
Ingredients
- Ingredient Group 1: Meatloaf Layer
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ingredient Group 2: Mashed Potato Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- Salt to taste
- Ingredient Group 3: Topping
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional Green onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If not using premade mashed potatoes, prepare fresh by boiling peeled potatoes, then mash with butter, milk, and salt.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup or BBQ, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- Press meatloaf mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. Add optional toppings if using.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the entire casserole a day ahead and bake it fresh.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- This dish is freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully in the oven.