Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Family Favorite

Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty dish that brings the warmth of the American West right to your dinner table. As a fan of comfort food, I can’t help but be drawn to this delightful casserole that combines the classic flavors of meatloaf with the convenience of a one-dish meal. Originating from the rustic kitchens of cowboys, this dish has evolved over the years, becoming a beloved staple in many households. The rich, savory taste of seasoned ground beef, combined with a medley of vegetables and topped with a luscious layer of mashed potatoes, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

People adore Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole not just for its delicious taste, but also for its convenience. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers, making it both economical and practical. Whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (divided)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 cup green beans (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. I like to use my hands for this part; it’s the best way to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the meat mixture. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Once the mixture is well combined, set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the casserole dish.

Preparing the Casserole Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. If you’re using frozen corn and green beans, now is the time to prepare them. You can either thaw them in the microwave or let them sit at room temperature while you work on the next steps.

Layering the Casserole

1. Spread half of the meatloaf mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This will be the first layer of your casserole.
2. If you’re using corn and green beans, sprinkle them evenly over the meatloaf layer. This adds a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
3. Next, spread the remaining meatloaf mixture over the vegetables, pressing it down gently to ensure it holds together.
4. Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the top of the meatloaf layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This will add a delicious glaze as it bakes.
5. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. I love a generous layer of cheese, but feel free to adjust according to your preference!

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in while it bakes, ensuring that the meatloaf stays juicy.
2. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the meatloaf to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will help the cheese to melt and become bubbly, and the barbecue sauce will caramelize slightly.
4. Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Serving the Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole

1. Using a sharp knife, cut the casserole into squares or rectangles, depending on your serving preference.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference!
3. Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy it with your favorite sides. I love pairing it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storing Leftovers

Conclusion:

In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole recipe, I can’t emphasize enough why this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to bring a hearty, comforting meal to the table. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty seasonings, and a rich, cheesy topping creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that? When it comes to serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this casserole with a fresh green salad or some buttery cornbread to balance out the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick, or even swapping out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. The beauty of the Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole is its versatility; you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try! I promise it will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience—did you add your own twist? How did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Let’s spread the love for this Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole together! Happy cooking! Print

Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Family Favorite
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
This Cowboy Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious blend of classic meatloaf flavors with a barbecue twist, featuring layers of ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it’s hearty, flavorful, and great for leftovers!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (divided)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 cup green beans (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Use your hands to mix evenly.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
6. If using frozen corn and green beans, prepare them by thawing in the microwave or letting them sit at room temperature.
7. Spread half of the meatloaf mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
8. If using, sprinkle the corn and green beans over the meatloaf layer.
9. Spread the remaining meatloaf mixture over the vegetables, pressing down gently.
10. Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the top and spread evenly.
11. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
16. Cut the casserole into squares or rectangles.
17. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
18. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes