Well now, y’all ever had one of them meals that just fills you up and makes ya feel right at home? If you ain’t, then I reckon you oughta try this here Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole. It’s a real stick-to-your-ribs kinda dish that’ll make your stomach happy and your heart full. Now, I ain’t no fancy cook, but I tell ya, this one here is simple as pie and just as tasty. Let me tell you how I make it.
First thing you need, of course, is the meatloaf. Ain’t no cowboy meal without a good piece of ground beef, so grab you about a pound or so. Now, I ain’t sayin’ you gotta do it fancy, just throw it in a bowl and start mixin’. Add some salt and pepper, a little bit of garlic powder if you got it, and maybe some dried onion flakes, ’cause why not? You can add what you like, but I tell ya, keep it simple. Don’t need all them fancy spices. Just get it nice and mixed up so it holds together when it cooks.
Once your meatloaf’s ready, spread it out on the bottom of a baking dish. Make sure you use a good ol’ casserole dish, ‘cause this here is gonna get layered up real nice. You just want that meatloaf to cover the bottom like a good foundation. Ain’t nothing better than a good base to hold everything else in place.
Now, let’s talk about them potatoes. You can’t have a casserole without taters, now can you? Peel ’em, slice ’em up real thin, and start laying ‘em right on top of that meatloaf. You want them taters nice and layered. I usually make about two or three medium potatoes, but if you like more, don’t be shy, pile ‘em on. They’re gonna get soft and tender when they cook, and give a nice texture to this dish.
After that, you’ll wanna add some cheese. Ain’t no casserole without cheese, as far as I’m concerned. I go for shredded cheddar cheese, but if you got some mozzarella or whatever kind you like, throw it in there. Just sprinkle a good amount on top. It’ll melt down real good and make it all gooey-like. The cheese holds everything together and gives it a little extra flavor. Trust me, you’ll be thankin’ me later.
Once you’ve got all that together, pop it in the oven at about 350°F and let it cook for a good hour or so. You’ll know it’s done when the top is all golden and bubbly, and you can see the potatoes gettin’ soft. I always check it by pokin’ a fork in the potatoes to make sure they’re tender. Ain’t nothing worse than biting into a tough tater!
Now, some folks like to put a little more cheese on top when it’s almost done. If that’s what you like, go for it. You can also add some bacon bits or even a little sour cream to make it even more cowboy-worthy. But like I said, the simple way works best. This here meal will fill up your belly and have you feelin’ good all night long.
What’s nice about this dish is you can make it ahead of time. If you got a busy day ahead, you can put everything together the night before, stick it in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. That’s what I do, especially when I’ve got the grandkids runnin’ around and I don’t have time to be in the kitchen all day. Just let that casserole warm up in the oven, and you’re good to go!
So, there you have it, folks. A good Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a meal that brings the whole family together. It’s hearty, it’s filling, and it don’t take no fancy cooking skills to make it. You just throw together some ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, and before you know it, you got yourself a feast! Give it a try next time you’re lookin’ for somethin’ simple but tasty. Your stomach will thank ya!
Tags:[Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Casserole, Family Dinner, Hearty Meal, Beef Casserole, Potato Casserole, Oven Baked Casserole, Simple Recipes]