Cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish that brings the best of comfort food together in one pan. This recipe combines juicy, flavorful meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, all baked together and topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon for a satisfying, all-in-one meal. It’s the kind of dinner you turn to when you want something cozy, filling, and family-approved. Think of it as a modern twist on the traditional meatloaf dinner, but layered and baked like a casserole for ultimate convenience.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with something rustic, delicious, and homey without spending hours in the kitchen. The meatloaf layer is packed with flavor from spices, onions, and tangy barbecue sauce, while the potato layer brings creamy comfort that complements the richness below. Topped off with cheddar cheese and bacon, it’s everything you love in a homestyle meal with a bit of cowboy flair. It’s a great make-ahead option, it freezes well, and it’s even better the next day, making it ideal for meal planning or leftovers.
Storage Options
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Summary
A one-pan comfort meal featuring a flavorful meatloaf base, creamy mashed potato topping, and a cheesy, bacon-loaded finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a full meal in one dish with layers of flavor and texture. Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and great for feeding a crowd.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Casserole dish (9×13)
Potato masher
Measuring cups and spoons
Foil for baking
Tips for Success
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the casserole. Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. Make sure the mashed potatoes are creamy but not too loose so they hold their shape when baked.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf layer:
1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the potato layer:
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully spread mashed potatoes over the meatloaf layer. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to oven and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with green onions if desired and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips or Variations
Add chopped jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy kick. Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for extra flavor. For a shortcut, use leftover mashed potatoes. This recipe also works great with ground turkey or a beef-pork blend.