That sounds like the ultimate comfort food! The Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole (often called Cowboy Casserole, Shepherd’s Pie with Meatloaf seasoning, or “Lumberjack Casserole”) is essentially a hearty, layered dish combining a seasoned meatloaf base with a creamy, cheesy potato topping.
This recipe is robust, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for a cold evening.
🤠 Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
This recipe uses cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for a classic, robust “cowboy” flavour.
📋 Ingredients
I. Meatloaf Base
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Ground Beef (Mince) | 900 g (2 lbs) | Lean or medium fat. |
| Bread Crumbs | $1/2$ cup | Panko or standard. |
| Milk | $1/4$ cup | |
| Egg | 1 large | |
| Onion (finely chopped) | $1/2$ medium | |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp | Essential for a savoury depth. |
| Ketchup or BBQ Sauce | 2 tbsp | |
| Dried Mustard Powder | 1 tsp | |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
II. Potato Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Potatoes | 4-5 large | Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed. |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | |
| Milk or Cream | $1/2$ cup | Warm is best. |
| Sour Cream or Cream Cheese | 2 tbsp | For extra creaminess. |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
III. Layers & Toppings
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Cheddar Cheese (shredded) | 1 cup | Sharp cheddar is best. |
| Frozen Corn or Mixed Veggies | 1 cup | Optional, for colour and texture. |
| Crispy Fried Onions | $1/2$ cup | Optional, for topping (like French’s). |
🛠️ Instructions
I. Prepare the Potato Topping
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Mash: Drain the potatoes well. Add butter, warm milk/cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
II. Prepare and Bake the Meatloaf Base
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to $190^\circ\text{C}$ ($375^\circ\text{F}$).
- Mix Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs soaked in milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup/BBQ sauce, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (do not overmix, or the meatloaf will be tough).
- Form Base: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a $9 \times 13 \text{ inch}$ (approx. $23 \times 33 \text{ cm}$) casserole dish.
- First Bake: Bake the meatloaf base for 15 minutes. This helps it firm up and renders some of the fat.
III. Assemble and Finish Baking
- Add Veggies (Optional): Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the frozen corn or mixed vegetables evenly over the meatloaf base.
- Add Topping: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the vegetable layer. Spread it gently with a spatula, making sure to seal the edges of the meatloaf underneath.
- Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatloaf is fully cooked (internal temperature of $71^\circ\text{C}$ / $160^\circ\text{F}$).
- Crispy Onions (Optional): If using, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes it easier to serve clean portions.
Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal!