Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
A hearty baked casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, barbecue sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, bacon, cheese, and crispy onions—a comforting all-in-one meal.
Servings
Ingredients
- 500 g lean ground beef
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Jack Daniels Honey Smokehouse BBQ sauce or preferred brand
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup crispy fried onions store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup bacon crumbles or bits
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 package Ore-Ida® Steam n’ Mash cut russet potatoes or similar frozen mashed potatoes
- 2½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium to large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Prepare the Meatloaf Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onions, breadcrumbs, barbecue sauce, egg, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press the mixture evenly into the base of the prepared baking dish.
Bake the Meatloaf
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Once baked, carefully remove the dish and drain any excess fat that has accumulated. Set aside while preparing the potato layer.
Prepare the Mashed Potato Mixture
- Microwave the Steam n’ Mash potatoes according to the package instructions. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked potatoes with butter, evaporated milk, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Mix until the potatoes reach a smooth and creamy consistency.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the baked meatloaf base. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions and bacon crumbles on top, followed by an even layer of the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
Broil to Finish
- Turn the oven to the broil setting. Return the dish to the oven and broil for approximately 4–5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and garnish with additional parsley, if desired.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with a certified gluten-free version or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Confirm that your barbecue sauce, crispy fried onions, and mashed potatoes are labeled gluten-free, as some may contain wheat-based additives. Always verify ingredient labels when preparing for individuals with gluten intolerance.