Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole: A Hearty Delight

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, chopped garlic, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Layer Potatoes: Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Form Meatloaf: Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it on top of the layer of potatoes in the baking dish, pressing down gently to adhere.
5. Layer Remaining Potatoes: Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the meatloaf, covering it completely.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7. Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked through, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu seasoned with your favorite spices.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish gluten-free.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the meatloaf mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, use sugar-free ketchup or tomato paste, and swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnip slices.
• Low-Carb Version: Reduce or omit breadcrumbs, use lean ground beef or turkey, and replace potatoes with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.

Conclusion:

Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful meatloaf, tender potatoes, and melted cheese topping, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re a cowboy or cowgirl at heart, this casserole is bound to become a new favorite. So round up your ingredients and enjoy a taste of the wild west with this delicious Cowboy Casserole!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses for a personalized touch.

Source: plusdeclics.com