Cowboy Meatloaf

Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Meatloaf is a hearty and tasty dish that combines ground beef and pork with pinto beans and cheese. It is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

This dish gives you a great mix of flavors, making it a favorite for many. Plus, it offers a satisfying meal that can feed a crowd.

How To Make Cowboy Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small yellow onion, (finely diced)
• 1 green bell pepper, (finely diced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, (minced)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 large eggs, (beaten)
• 1 cup (240 g) canned pinto beans, (drained, rinsed)
• ½ cup (108 g) plain breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (280 g) BBQ sauce, (divided)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, (shredded)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a large loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper, cooking until they soften, for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let it cool for a bit.
4. In a large bowl, mix together the cooled veggies, ground beef, ground pork, eggs, pinto beans, breadcrumbs, ½ cup of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined.
5. Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a flat loaf in the center of the prepared pan. Make a shallow trench down the middle and sprinkle the shredded cheese into this trench.
6. Add the remaining meat mixture on top, pressing it down gently to cover the cheese. Seal the edges well to keep everything inside. Shape the loaf to be about 8–9 inches long and 4–5 inches wide for even cooking.
7. Brush ¼ cup of the remaining BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Save the rest of the BBQ sauce for later.
8. Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes. Carefully take it out and brush it with the remaining BBQ sauce.
9. Put it back in the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
10. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 65 minutes to cook, making a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It serves 8 people, and each serving has about 400 calories with a good amount of protein and healthy fats.

How To Serve Cowboy Meatloaf

Cowboy Meatloaf is great served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. It’s an excellent dish to enjoy with family and friends.

How To Store Cowboy Meatloaf

Store leftover Cowboy Meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.

Tips To Make Cowboy Meatloaf

• Be careful not to overmix the meat to keep it tender.
• You can add extra spices to customize the flavor even more.
• Try using different kinds of cheese for a new twist.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Cowboy Meatloaf is packed with protein from the beef, pork, and beans, which are essential for building and repairing body tissues. The pinto beans also provide fiber, which is good for digestion. Using veggies adds vitamins and minerals, making this dish balanced and fulfilling. It can be a healthy meal choice when enjoyed with plenty of vegetables on the side.

Variation

You can add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the meat mixture for more veggies. For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or using smoked BBQ sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of beef and pork?
   
   Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

   
   

2. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
   
   You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (71°C).

   
   

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   
   Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few more minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.