Cowboy Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is what happens when meatloaf and loaded mashed potatoes decide to team up for dinner. Juicy seasoned beef is topped with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, then baked until hot and bubbly.
It's hearty, filling, and exactly the kind of dinner people go back for seconds of before the plates even hit the sink.
Jump to:
- Why this casserole works
- Loaded Cowboy Video
- Loaded Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
- What you'll need: ingredients
- Step-by-step guide: instructions
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
- Deb's tips for the perfect dish
- More meatloaf recipes you'll love
- What to serve with cowboy meatloaf
- Saddle up for comfort food night
Why this casserole works
This recipe keeps dinner simple by combining meatloaf and mashed potatoes into one easy casserole. Using stuffing mix adds flavor fast, premade mashed potatoes save time, and the cheese and bacon on top make it feel extra special without adding extra work.
It's family-friendly comfort food that's easy enough for a weeknight.
Loaded Cowboy Video
Mashed potatoes and meatloaf come together in one cheesy, bacon-loaded casserole. Watch how easy this comfort food favorite is to make!
Loaded Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
Equipment
- 1 8x8 inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pound ground beef
- 1 package Stovetop Stuffing Mix
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup ketchup
- 24 ounces premade mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- green onion thinly sliced for an optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 to degrees F.
- Prepare the meatloaf. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, stuffing mix, parmesan cheese, eggs, and ketchup. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Do not over mix!
- Transfer the meat mixture to an 8 X 8" baking dish and gently press down.
- Using a spoon or a spatula, evenly spread with a layer of mashed potatoes over the meat.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Top the casserole with the crumbled bacon.
- Cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 35 minutes or until the internal the temperature of the meat reaches 160 degrees F.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- Top with green onions, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What you'll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom for the exact measurements.
- 80/20 ground beef gives the meatloaf great flavor and keeps it juicy.
- Stovetop Stuffing Mix - or other premade/seasoned stuffing.
- Use homemade mashed potatoes, leftovers, or refrigerated premade mashed potatoes to keep prep easy.
Step-by-step guide: instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll to the recipe card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Absolutely. Garlic, sour cream and onion, loaded mashed potatoes, or cheesy mashed potatoes all work well here. Homemade mashed potatoes are great too.
Yep! Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss all work nicely.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
Adding a glaze over the meatloaf gives the casserole even more flavor. Barbecue sauce works great, or make a quick homemade glaze with equal parts ketchup, yellow mustard, and brown sugar.
- Mix the ingredients for the meatloaf just until they are combined. Over mixing will make the meatloaf tough.
More meatloaf recipes you'll love
There are some yummy meatloaf recipes on the blog. Have you tried them? There's the Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, Instant Pot Meatloaf, and the 5 Ingredient Meatloaf Recipe. Which one is your favorite?
What to serve with cowboy meatloaf
A crisp salad balances the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly. Pear Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is a great choice, and Pan-Fried Vegetables add a little crunch to the plate. Add garlic bread if your family never says no to carbs piled onto carbs. Honestly? Respect.
For dessert, Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cobbler finishes dinner on a sweet note.
Saddle up for comfort food night
If your family loves meatloaf and mashed potatoes, this casserole brings both together in one cozy, cheesy bake. It's easy to prep, great for leftovers, and exactly the kind of dinner that disappears fast.
Give it a try and let me know if your crew goes back for seconds too!
Steve S says
I am willing to give this a try since it is one of my favorite meal combinations. My concern is the amount of fat that stays within the pan which is why I usually smoke my meatloaf directly on the grate. I may have to try this in a springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom so it can go in the smoker and allow the grease to drain.
Debra Clark says
I hope you give it a try Steve. Let me know how your method works out. Having said that, I haven't found the dish to be greasy at all because of the meatloaf recipe. Enjoy, it's terrific! Let me know what you think!
Keith Steenbergen says
There's an easy fix if there is excess fat grease. Cut your first serving and lay it out on paper towels. Then, tilt your pan toward the open corner. The grease will pool there. Just take a wad of paper towels on tongs, soak it up, toss your towels, and excess grease is gone.
Debra Clark says
Thanks for sharing Keith, great tip!
Jean says
Definitely different, but sounds good. As my husband would say it's all going to the same place anyway why not put it together in one dish.
Debra Clark says
All you need is some great gravy to pour over the top Jean! 🙂 Enjoy the recipe!
Lois says
This looks like a great recipe. Will be making it very soon. I’m thinking you could even make it with left over meatloaf just adjust the baking time. I will be making it like you suggested before I try anything else. I know it going to be good
Debra Clark says
Fantastic, enjoy Lois!