Tex-Mex Meatloaf with Cheesy Potato Casserole
This hearty Tex-Mex meatloaf dish, surrounded by a cheesy potato casserole and topped with a zesty homemade sauce, is the perfect comfort food for any dinner table. Packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant veggies, it brings together everything you love about Southwestern cuisine. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for leftovers that get better the next day, this all-in-one meal is a must-try.
The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, warming spices, and tangy Tex-Mex sauce creates a savory meatloaf with a deep, satisfying flavor. Around it, thinly sliced russet potatoes soak up the flavor and bake to perfection under a layer of melted cheddar. The result is a complete, comforting, and colorful dish that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients:
Meatloaf Base:
1.5 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
¼ cup diced onion
¼ cup diced bell pepper
¼ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Potato Casserole:
4 cups thinly sliced Russet potatoes (peeled)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced bell pepper
½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Tex-Mex Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish. This dish needs to be big enough to accommodate the meatloaf in the center and the layered potatoes around it.
- Prepare the meatloaf base by combining all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl. This includes the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, egg, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Once combined, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of your prepared baking dish.
- Start layering the potato casserole. Around the meatloaf, arrange the thinly sliced Russet potatoes in a single, slightly overlapping layer. Distribute the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and diced tomatoes evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic across the top, and then generously cover the entire potato layer with shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Tex-Mex sauce: ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the prepared sauce generously over the meatloaf and the potatoes. Make sure to cover the loaf entirely with sauce for a flavorful glaze. The potatoes can be lightly coated, allowing some of the cheese to show through. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil to trap in moisture and help everything cook evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let the top layer of cheese melt, brown, and bubble. This will give the casserole its signature golden, cheesy crust.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the meatloaf hold its shape for cleaner slicing. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the potatoes for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Slice the meatloaf into even portions and serve alongside the cheesy potato casserole. Be sure to spoon some of the flavorful sauce from the pan over each serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This Tex-Mex meatloaf and potato casserole is a complete dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette or a side of sautéed corn with chili-lime butter can balance the richness of the dish. For extra flair, serve it with warm tortillas or a dollop of sour cream on the side.
The vibrant mix of textures—from the tender meatloaf to the soft, cheesy potatoes—and the bold Tex-Mex spices make this a satisfying dish for any night of the week.
Tips and Tricks
• Removing the foil toward the end of baking is essential for achieving that bubbling, golden cheese topping. Don’t skip this step—it adds texture and visual appeal.
• Let the meatloaf rest for about 5–7 minutes before slicing. This short wait allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your meatloaf moist and preventing it from falling apart when cut.
• Customize your casserole with extra toppings or mix-ins. Thinly sliced jalapeños add a spicy kick, while a sprinkle of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor even more. You can also mix extra cheddar into the potatoes before layering for a cheesier finish.
• If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using freshly chopped parsley as a milder, earthy garnish.
• For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that these leaner meats may cook slightly faster and can dry out more easily, so monitor closely and consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk or a splash of broth to the meatloaf mix.
• Leftovers store beautifully. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish combines two family favorites—meatloaf and cheesy potatoes—into one fuss-free meal. The Tex-Mex twist introduces a balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy elements that make the meatloaf stand out. Meanwhile, the casserole component not only complements the meatloaf with its rich texture and flavor, but also saves time by cooking everything in one pan.
It’s a smart choice for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or potluck dinners. The ingredients are pantry staples for many households, and the steps are simple enough for cooks of any skill level to follow. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to make it milder or spicier depending on your family’s preferences.
Conclusion:
Tex-Mex Meatloaf with Cheesy Potato Casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level. From the juicy, spice-kissed meatloaf to the creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes, every bite is packed with flavor and warmth. This recipe is ideal for families, easy to make ahead, and full of ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen.
It’s more than just a dinner—it’s a satisfying experience that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. If you’re looking to break out of the usual dinner routine and impress your table with something filling, colorful, and crave-worthy, give this dish a try.
You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.