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!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Use your hands to mix evenly.
- Add the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- If using frozen corn and green beans, prepare them by thawing in the microwave or letting them sit at room temperature.
- Spread half of the meatloaf mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
- If using, sprinkle the corn and green beans over the meatloaf layer.
- Spread the remaining meatloaf mixture over the vegetables, pressing down gently.
- Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Cut the casserole into squares or rectangles.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- 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