Get ready for a tasty challenge with the Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole! A dish that imitates the comfort of meatloaf and potato in one bowl. Whether it’s an inside cooking for a family dinner or having friends over, this Cowboy Casserole is surely a winner. Let’s get ready to cook deliciousness with these easy to adhere to steps!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1000 g of minced beef
- Finely chopped 1 onion
- Garlic cloves, chopped 2 pieces
- One cup of dried bread
- A quarter of a cup of catsup
- Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons
- One teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Potato Layer:
- Four medium-sized potatoes, skin off, sliced thinly
- One cup of reddish orange cheese, grated
- Chopped Fresh parsley for garnishing purposes (optional)
Instructions
1. To begin, turn on the oven and set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking container using cooking spray or butter to avoid sticking.
2. Into a large bowl, add ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme and season fondly with salt and pepper. Stir it all together until it is evenly mixed. It can be done with the hands or a spoon but use the option that feels right!
3. Take half of the thinly sliced potatoes and carefully place them at the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This layer is the base on which the meatloaf rests, providing taste and structure.
4. Take the meatloaf mixture and form it into the shape of a loaf and place the mixture on top of the potato layer at the baking dish. Lightly push the mixture down in order for the potatoes to hold it in position.
5. Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the meatloaf, ensuring that the meatloaf is completely encased. This will serve to create a nice crust of baked potatoes over the meatloaf.
6. Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish and place it into the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. At this point, the meatloaf still manages to get cooked all the way through while the potatoes become tender.
7. After 45 minutes, take the baking dish out of the oven, remove the foil and sprinkle an even layer of grated cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Place the dish back into the oven and allow it to bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned golden.
8. After cooking is complete, take the decoction out of the oven and optionally cover with finely chopped fresh parsley, if you wish. Wait for some time and then cut and serve.
Baking Tips and Suggestions
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils, black beans or firm seasoned tofu.
Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute regular bread use gluten free bread crumbs or ground gluten free cookies for coating
Add It: Place diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the meatloaf mixture when you want some extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
What about freezing the leftovers?
Of course! Just let the undesired portions cool and put them in sealed containers and then keep them frozen for three months.
Are other cheeses allowed?
Of course! Use any cheese you want and enhance the dish.