Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

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Description:
The Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole combines hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes in a single dish, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. This all-in-one casserole is a rustic, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, especially on chilly evenings. It features a spicy kick to the meatloaf and is topped with a cheesy, mashed potato crust.

Ingredients:

  • For the Meatloaf:
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • For the Potato Topping:
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Paprika for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ingredients:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Grease a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches).
  1. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, BBQ sauce, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
  • Press the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  1. Cook the Meatloaf:
  • Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until cooked through.
  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
  • While the meatloaf is baking, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk, butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Add the Potato Topping:
  • Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and drain any excess fat.
  • Spread the mashed potatoes over the meatloaf evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, and add a light dusting of paprika if using.
  1. Bake the Casserole:
  • Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  1. Serve:
  • Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information Estimate (per serving, based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg
  • Sodium: 790mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 29g

This Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a robust, flavorful meal that captures the spirit of traditional American comfort food. It’s a fulfilling dish that combines protein, vegetables, and starch, all layered together for a tasty and convenient weeknight dinner option.

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