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Freshly baked cowboy meatloaf and potato casserole in a baking dish, topped with golden melted cheese and green onions.

Easy Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

A hearty, cheesy, one-pan casserole combining classic meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheddar, perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, comfort food, Southern
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredient Group 1: Meatloaf Layer
  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Ingredient Group 2: Mashed Potato Topping
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup milk or cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Ingredient Group 3: Topping
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional Green onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 Baking Dish For layering and baking
  • 1 Mixing Bowl To mix the meatloaf ingredients
  • 1 Spatula To spread mashed potatoes evenly
  • 1 Foil For covering when storing or baking

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. If not using premade mashed potatoes, prepare fresh by boiling peeled potatoes, then mash with butter, milk, and salt.
  3. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup or BBQ, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
  4. Press meatloaf mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  5. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top with a spatula.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. Add optional toppings if using.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can prepare the entire casserole a day ahead and bake it fresh.
  • For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
  • This dish is freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully in the oven.