Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole

recipe for Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole:

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Potato Casserole:

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, ketchup, egg, and all the seasonings for the meatloaf (salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper). Mix until well combined.
3. Press the meatloaf mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, shaping it into a loaf shape in the center of the dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, melted butter, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using). Mix until the potatoes are coated evenly with the mixture.
5. Arrange the potato mixture around the meatloaf in the baking dish.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
7. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F or 71°C) and the potatoes are tender and browned.
8. If you like, in the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole for an added crunch.
9. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole! This dish is a hearty and comforting meal that combines the flavors of a classic meatloaf with cheesy potatoes.