Here’s a hearty Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole—a comfort-food mashup of savory meatloaf, potatoes, and cheese baked together in one dish. Perfect for a filling family dinner.

🥩🥔 Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Ingredients (6–8 servings)

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Potato Layer

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced or cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional extra)
• 2 tbsp parsley or green onions for garnish

🥘 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare Pan

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13 baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.

2️⃣ Make the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix—meatloaf stays tender).
3. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

3️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add potatoes and sauté 3–5 minutes until lightly tender.
3. Pour in milk, season with salt and pepper, and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly softened (they will finish baking in oven).

4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the potatoes evenly over the meatloaf.
2. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
3. Optional: drizzle a little extra butter or milk over the potatoes for creaminess.

5️⃣ Bake

• Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden, and potatoes are tender.

6️⃣ Serve

• Garnish with parsley or green onions.
• Serve hot, straight from the pan—perfect for a hearty dinner.

🤠 Tips & Variations

• Add bacon bits on top for extra flavor.
• Mix in green peppers or mushrooms with the meatloaf for a veggie boost.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a melty twist.
• Make ahead: assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you want, I can also give you a slow cooker version so it cooks hands-off all day and comes out perfectly tender.

Do you want me to do that?