Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the flavors of meatloaf and potatoes with a southwestern twist. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Potato Casserole:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and dried oregano.
- Mix the ingredients well until everything is thoroughly combined. Don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the center of a baking dish.
- Prepare the Potato Casserole:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the mixture and toss to coat them evenly.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Arrange the coated potato slices around the meatloaf in the baking dish.
- Season and Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- Dot the potatoes with small pieces of butter.
- Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid to prevent excessive browning.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the potatoes should be tender.
- Final Touches:
- Remove the foil or lid during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and lightly brown.
- Serve:
- Once the casserole is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing the meatloaf.
- Serve the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole with your favorite sides or a fresh salad.
This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of meatloaf and potatoes with a southwestern flair. Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole!