Name: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef or beef/pork blend; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers; 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix; 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup milk; 3–4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp butter or oil (for greasing); Salt and pepper to taste

A hearty, all-in-one comfort dish that layers a savory, seasoned meatloaf filling with tender sliced potatoes, then bakes it under a blanket of cheese and ranch-style flavors. I designed this casserole to bring the satisfying taste of cowboy meatloaf and creamy potato casserole together into one cozy bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bold, meaty flavor and creamy potatoes in a single dish—no separate sides required. It’s one-pot convenience with maximum comfort, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime I crave a warm and filling meal without fuss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or a beef/pork blend)
Onion (finely chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Egg
Breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
Ranch seasoning mix (or dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder)
Ketchup or BBQ sauce
Milk
Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, thinly sliced)
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Butter or oil (for greasing)
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13″ casserole dish with butter or oil.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, ketchup or BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—I handle it gently to keep it tender.
Spread half of the meatloaf mixture evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes over the meat base, overlapping slightly.
Sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and some cheddar over the potato layer.
Spread the remaining meat mixture on top, then layer the rest of the potato slices.
Mix milk with a bit of extra ranch seasoning or drizzle it evenly over the potatoes to help them cook tender.
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove foil, bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden and potatoes are tender when pierced.
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving—it helps everything hold together.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50–55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: I add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
BBQ twist: I swap ketchup with smoky barbecue sauce and sprinkle crispy onion straws on top.
Veggie upgrade: I layer in sliced bell peppers or thinly shredded zucchini between the meat and potatoes.
Cheesy blend: I mix cheddar with pepper jack or gouda for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake individual portions at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave them until warmed. This dish freezes well— I wrap pan or portioned servings tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potato flakes instead of sliced potatoes?

I haven’t tried that, but I’d layer the meatloaf, sprinkle mashed potato flakes over, pour milk to moisten, and bake until golden and set. Texture will be more shepherd’s-pie style.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes—I prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking. I bake it straight from the fridge, adding about 10 extra minutes.

What kind of meat is best for this?

I like a mix of ground beef and pork for juiciness, but all beef or even turkey works; just adjust the seasoning and doneness time.

How do I know when potatoes are done?

I pierce them with a fork—if it’s tender and slides in easily, they’re ready. If not, I bake a bit longer until soft throughout.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—just use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or skip them) and ensure the ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Conclusion

I absolutely love how the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole brings hearty meatloaf flavor and creamy potato layers into one easy bake. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal cleanup—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. I hope it becomes a staple in my comfort-food rotation!