Are you in search of a hearty and flavorful dinner option that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Look no further! Our Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors and tender potatoes, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
| Ingredients |
Amount |
| Ground beef |
1.5 pounds |
| Breadcrumbs |
1/2 cup |
| Milk |
1/4 cup |
| Diced onion |
1/4 cup |
| Diced bell pepper (any color) |
1/4 cup |
| Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) |
1/4 cup |
| Egg |
1 |
| Garlic powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper |
To taste |
For the Potato Casserole:
| Ingredients |
Amount |
| Russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced) |
4 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese |
1 cup |
| Diced onion |
1/2 cup |
| Diced bell pepper (any color) |
1/2 cup |
| Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) |
1/2 cup |
| Minced garlic |
2 cloves |
| Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish) |
1/4 cup |
For the Tex-Mex Sauce:
| Ingredients |
Amount |
| Ketchup |
1 cup |
| Brown sugar |
1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce |
2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar |
1 tablespoon |
| Chili powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) |
1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper |
To taste |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes, egg, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of a large, greased baking dish. This will be the meatloaf base for your casserole.
2. Layer the Potato Casserole:
- In the same baking dish, arrange the thinly sliced peeled potatoes around the meatloaf, creating an even layer of potatoes.
- Sprinkle the diced onion, diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and minced garlic over the potatoes.
- Top the potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a flavorful and gooey layer.
3. Make the Tex-Mex Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
4. Pour the Sauce:
- Pour the Tex-Mex sauce evenly over the meatloaf and potato casserole, ensuring that both the meatloaf and potatoes are generously coated.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, garnish your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside a generous helping of the Tex-Mex potato casserole.
