Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the kind of dinner I turn to when I want meatloaf and mashed potatoes without making two separate dishes. The bottom is a savory barbecue meatloaf, and the top is finished with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and bacon.
What makes this casserole useful on a busy night is the shortcut potato topping. Refrigerated mashed potatoes keep the prep manageable, while the barbecue sauce and chili powder give the beef layer more flavor than a plain meatloaf.
If you like hearty beef dinners, you may also want my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole or Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. You can also browse my 15 Easy Casseroles for Dinner roundup when you need more ideas.
Why This Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole Works
- Two comfort foods in one pan: The meatloaf and mashed potatoes bake into one complete casserole.
- Shortcut-friendly: Refrigerated mashed potatoes save time without changing the basic idea of the dish.
- Plenty of savory flavor: Barbecue sauce, onion, chili powder, cheese, and bacon keep the casserole from tasting flat.
- Easy to portion: A square baking dish makes this simple to cut into hearty servings.
- Good for leftovers: The meat and potatoes reheat well together for lunch the next day.
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the meatloaf base. Once it is mixed with the egg and breadcrumbs, avoid working it more than necessary. Overmixing can make the baked layer feel dense instead of tender.
Barbecue Sauce
The barbecue sauce adds sweetness, acidity, and smoky flavor. Since it is mixed directly into the meat, use a sauce you already enjoy rather than one that tastes overly sweet to you.
Mashed Potatoes
Premade refrigerated mashed potatoes are the shortcut here. Warm them according to the package before spreading so they are soft enough to cover the meatloaf without pulling up the surface.
Cheese and Bacon
Mexican-blend cheese melts easily and works well with the barbecue and chili powder. Bacon adds a salty finish. The final broil is only meant to melt and lightly brown the topping, so keep a close eye on the dish at that stage.
Tips for the Best Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
- Mix the beef gently. Combine the ingredients just until evenly mixed.
- Press the meat into an even layer. An even thickness helps the meatloaf cook at the same rate across the pan.
- Drain excess fat before adding potatoes. This keeps the potato layer from becoming greasy.
- Warm the mashed potatoes first. Cold potatoes are harder to spread and can cool the meatloaf too quickly.
- Watch the broiler. Cheese can go from melted to overbrowned quickly, so stay near the oven.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
You can prepare the meat mixture earlier in the day, press it into the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. I would wait to add the potatoes, cheese, and bacon until after the meatloaf layer has baked and the excess fat has been drained.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover a larger portion and warm it in the oven until hot in the center. If the potatoes look dry, a small pat of butter before reheating helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes?
Yes. Homemade mashed potatoes work well as long as they are soft enough to spread. Avoid making them too loose, since a very thin potato topping will not sit as neatly over the meatloaf.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack are easy substitutes for the Mexican cheese blend.
Why should I drain the meatloaf before adding the potatoes?
Ground beef can release fat as it bakes. Draining that liquid before adding the potato layer keeps the finished casserole from feeling oily and helps the potatoes stay on top instead of sliding into the meat.
More Easy Beef Casseroles
For another filling dinner, try my Ground Beef Casserole, Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, or Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole. The full casserole recipe collection has even more chicken, beef, pasta, and potato bakes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 package premade refrigerated mashed potatoes
- â…“ cup bread crumbs
- ½ large onion, chopped
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 cup bacon pieces
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix just until combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into a well-greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through.
- Carefully drain the excess fat from the baking dish.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package directions.
- Spread the warm mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meatloaf layer.
- Top with the shredded cheese and bacon pieces.
- Set the oven to broil and broil for a few minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole stand briefly before serving.
