Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—all the hearty flavor of a classic meatloaf, layered with creamy mashed potatoes and topped with melty cheese and barbecue sauce. It’s a warm, filling, and satisfying meal that I like to make when I need something easy, family-friendly, and loaded with bold, down-home flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This casserole takes two favorites—meatloaf and mashed potatoes—and turns them into one dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. I love how the barbecue sauce gives it a smoky, tangy finish, and the cheesy topping brings everything together. It’s a great recipe when I want something cozy without a lot of cleanup, and it’s always a hit at the table.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 ½ pounds ground beef
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1 large egg
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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½ cup finely chopped onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ cup barbecue sauce, divided
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 ½ cups mashed potatoes
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, half of the barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a meatloaf base.
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Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meat layer.
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Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the potatoes.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the meat is cooked through.
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Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Top with chopped green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Twist: I mix in diced jalapeños or use a spicy barbecue sauce for some kick.
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Veggie Addition: Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can be added to the meat mixture.
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Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different cheesy topping.
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Lighter Version: I use ground turkey and light cheese for a leaner take.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped casserole dish for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for individual servings, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover with foil to keep the cheese from over-browning.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, I can use instant mashed potatoes for convenience. Just prepare them according to the package before layering.
What type of ground meat works best?
I usually go with 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture, but ground turkey or chicken also works well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble it, cover it, and store it in the fridge up to a day ahead. I just bake it when I’m ready to serve.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the meat layer should reach 160°F (71°C).
What sides go well with this dish?
I like to serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or some cornbread for a full, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is everything I want in a comforting dinner—savory, cheesy, and simple to make. It brings together classic flavors in a crowd-pleasing, all-in-one dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is always a reliable favorite that gets everyone coming back for seconds.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one comfort meal that layers juicy ground beef meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheddar cheese, all topped with smoky barbecue sauce. It’s perfect for feeding the family on busy weeknights or serving up at casual gatherings. Easy to make ahead and even easier to love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Press meat mixture into the bottom of the dish to form the meatloaf base.
- Spread prepared mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meat.
- Drizzle remaining ¼ cup barbecue sauce over the mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the meat is fully cooked (internal temp of 160°F / 71°C).
- Let rest before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy version.
- Substitute mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
- Can be prepped ahead and stored before baking.
