Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole (Hearty, Cheesy, and Loaded with Flavor)

his Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole is loaded with creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned ground beef, bacon, and melty cheese — the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or potlucks!

Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

If you love hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, this Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole is going to become a family favorite. It’s layered with creamy mashed potatoes, savory beef, smoky bacon, and melted cheese — all baked together into one crave-worthy casserole.

The name fits perfectly — it’s bold, satisfying, and full of Western-inspired flavor. I first made this when I needed a filling dish for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s easy to make, reheats beautifully, and is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and meaty goodness.

Recipe Card

Servings: 6–8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Potato Layer:

• 4–5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ½ cup milk (more as needed)

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

• ½ cup onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (or ketchup for a milder flavor)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and spread evenly to cover the beef layer.

4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by crumbled bacon.

5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole

• Add corn or black beans to the beef layer for a Southwestern twist.

• Swap BBQ sauce for enchilada sauce if you prefer a Tex-Mex flavor.

• Use leftover mashed potatoes to make this recipe even faster.

• Make it ahead and refrigerate — just bake when ready to serve!

• For extra spice, toss in a little jalapeño or chipotle powder.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky, savory flavor. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got an easy, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

If you loved this Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole, don’t forget to leave a comment, rate it, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram with #MyKitchenFavorites!