Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

Cheesy BBQ Beef Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines savory beef, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving a hearty meal.

The smoky flavor from the BBQ sauce, paired with the richness of the mashed potatoes and the crunch of crispy onions, makes this dish a unique twist on traditional casseroles.

To start, the foundation of this casserole is lean ground beef. It adds a satisfying, savory base that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Ground beef is not only flavorful but also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for feeding a group.

The addition of chopped onions to the beef brings a sweet and aromatic flavor that enhances the richness of the meat. Onions are essential in many casseroles as they provide a depth of flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.

The breadcrumbs in the recipe help bind the beef mixture together, ensuring the casserole holds its shape during baking. They also add a touch of texture, making the beef layer more substantial.

The Jack Daniel’s Honey Smokehouse BBQ sauce gives this dish its signature smoky flavor, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This sauce elevates the beef, giving it a slightly caramelized taste when baked.

The BBQ sauce, combined with the chili powder, creates a flavorful kick that’s not too overwhelming but adds just the right amount of heat.

To further enrich the beef mixture, you’ll add egg. The egg serves as a binding agent, holding all the ingredients together while giving the beef layer a slight structure. This ensures the casserole doesn’t fall apart when serving.

Additionally, the egg adds moisture, making the meat more tender and juicy. The garlic powder, salt, and pepper season the mixture, rounding out the flavors and bringing everything together in perfect harmony.

While the beef mixture is baking, you’ll prepare the mashed potatoes. Using Ore-Ida® Steam n Mash cut russet potatoes makes the process quick and easy. These pre-cut potatoes save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Simply microwave the potatoes according to the package instructions, and you’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes ready for mashing. The butter adds richness, making the potatoes creamy and smooth, while the evaporated milk enhances the creaminess and creates the ideal consistency.

Once the potatoes are mashed, stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor. The parsley adds a nice contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the beef and cheese.

The garlic powder that’s added to the mashed potatoes complements the garlic in the beef mixture, creating a consistent, flavorful profile throughout the dish. The bacon bites or crumbles bring a smoky, salty crunch to the mashed potatoes, enhancing the overall texture and flavor. The crispy fried onions add another layer of crunch, making each bite even more satisfying.

After baking the beef layer and preparing the mashed potatoes, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Spread the beef mixture evenly at the bottom of your greased baking dish.

Make sure the beef is evenly distributed, creating a solid layer to support the mashed potatoes. Once the beef layer is in place, spread the mashed potatoes on top, making sure they cover the beef completely. This forms a creamy, fluffy top that contrasts beautifully with the crispy beef layer underneath.

To finish the casserole, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the mashed potatoes. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, golden topping that adds richness and flavor to the casserole.

Once the cheese is in place, return the dish to the oven and broil for about 5 minutes. This final step helps the cheese become bubbly and crispy on the edges, creating a deliciously satisfying finish. The broiling step is key to achieving that perfect golden crust on top.

Once the casserole is done broiling, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve without losing its shape.

The crispy, cheesy top will hold the mashed potatoes in place, while the beef layer underneath stays tender and flavorful. The combination of textures—from the crispy top to the creamy potatoes and juicy beef—creates a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

This casserole can be served as a main course or as a side dish to complement other meals. If you want to enhance the flavors further, consider offering sauces on the side, like more BBQ sauce, sour cream, or a tangy ranch dressing. These options will add another layer of flavor and make the dish even more customizable to individual tastes. You could even serve the casserole alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

The best part of this casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a spicier dish, you could add more chili powder or some hot sauce. If you like your casserole extra cheesy, don’t be afraid to sprinkle on some additional cheese. This dish is forgiving and allows for creativity, making it a great choice for a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

In conclusion, Cheesy BBQ Beef Casserole is a simple, yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy onions, and melted cheese creates a satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Enjoy!

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