Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatloaf Layer:
  • 1 ½ lbs (700g) ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• For the Potato Layer:
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Topping:
  • ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional)
  • ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined.
   • Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the bottom layer.
3. Prepare the Potato Layer:
   • In a medium bowl, mix mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
   • Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the potatoes are slightly golden.
5. Add Toppings:
   • Sprinkle the crispy fried onions, crumbled bacon, and additional shredded cheese on top (if desired).
   • Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
   • Garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve warm.

Enjoy your hearty Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole! ️