What Goes with Meatloaf Besides Potatoes?

Some great side dishes include roasted green beans, garlic butter asparagus, and honey-glazed carrots.

Why Do You Put Milk in Meatloaf?

Milk hydrates the breadcrumbs , ensuring the meatloaf stays moist and tender . For dairy-free options, substitute with beef broth or plant-based milk .

What is the Secret to Juicy Meatloaf?

Use milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs to retain moisture. Avoid overmixing the meat, as it can become dense. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to keep the juices intact.

How Do You Reheat Meatloaf and Potatoes?

The oven is the best method for reheating. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for the best texture.

Why Do You Put Baking Powder in Meatloaf?

While not common, baking powder can aerate the meat mixture , making it slightly lighter. However, it’s not necessary for a traditional recipe.

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food

Description

Nothing says comfort food quite like this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole! This hearty, two-layer dish combines a juicy, flavorful meatloaf base with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Every bite is packed with beefy, cheesy, and buttery goodness—guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 or 80/20 for juiciness)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup ketchup
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or mild)
2 tbsp butter
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Base

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

If using fresh mashed potatoes, boil and mash them with butter, salt, and a splash of milk.
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 30 minutes.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meatloaf layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For extra richness: Stir sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes.
For a crispy cheese topping: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Make it Tex-Mex: Add 1 tsp taco seasoning to the meat mixture and use pepper jack cheese.
Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Lunch
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: ~480 kcal
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 31g