This delicious Cowboy Meatloaf comes together in about 75 minutes and is baked to perfection for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Main Ingredients
1 lb ground beef: This hearty base gives the meatloaf a robust flavor. You can use 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and moisture.
1 lb ground pork: The addition of pork adds a touch of sweetness and juiciness to the meatloaf, it’s a total game changer! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping this for turkey or chicken.
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: These add fiber and a creamy texture. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra protein! Black beans also work well if you’re in the mood for a twist.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because cheese makes everything better, right? It adds a melty, gooey goodness that your family will absolutely adore. Feel free to use a different cheese if you prefer Colby Jack works wonderfully, too!
1 onion, chopped: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. Sautéing it until translucent makes the whole dish incredibly aromatic. Seriously, the smell alone will get everyone rushing to the dinner table!
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything taste better with its savory, flavorful punch. Use more if you’re as obsessed with garlic as I am!
1 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together while adding a nice texture. You can use store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs (or even crushed crackers in a pinch).
1/2 cup BBQ sauce: A classic BBQ sauce gives the meatloaf a smoky sweetness! You can go with your favorite brand or even make your own if you’re feeling inspired.
2 eggs: These bind all the ingredients together and add a bit of richness.
Salt and pepper to taste: A couple pinches of salt and pepper goes a long way in enhancing all the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set the stage for your meatloaf masterpiece!
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, pinto beans, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, eggs, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined; this is where the magic begins!
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. Make sure it’s not too packed; nobody wants a dry meatloaf! Give it some space to breathe while cooking.
Brush additional BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf. This adds a tantalizing glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, just wait until you see that golden color!
Bake in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Your kitchen will smell so good, you might just have to resist the temptation to sneak a tiny piece before dinner!
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut without falling apart. Serve warm and enjoy the beautiful, cheesy slices that will have your family begging for seconds!
Isn’t that easy? I love how straightforward it is, and the best part is the cleanup is a breeze since everything all comes together in one bowl!
If you loved this Cowboy Meatloaf, be sure to check out my Korean BBQ meatloaf, my Turkey meatloaf, or my cheeseburger meatloaf! You’ll find tons of family-friendly recipes that make weeknight dinners a breeze!
Why This Cowboy Meatloaf Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together so quickly, honestly, you’ll be done mixing in under 15 minutes. Plus, with only one baking dish in the oven, cleanup is easy-peasy. Who doesn’t love that?
Comfort Food
With all the cheesy and savory flavors, this Cowboy Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food! It’s loaded with tons of flavor, making it perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to snuggle up with something hearty.
Customizable
The possibilities are truly endless here! Feeling spicy? Toss in some diced jalapeños. Want it creamier? Use different cheeses! You can even throw in some veggies if you like. This recipe welcomes and embraces whatever you have on hand, making it perfect for “cleaning out the fridge” dinners.
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Serve this Cowboy Meatloaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or some classic mac and cheese. A fresh salad or some roasted vegetables on the side can round out the meal nicely. You could even whip up a batch of cornbread for some Southern flair!
How Long It Keeps
Don’t worry if you have leftovers, the Cowboy Meatloaf is even better the next day! It can stay in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, making it perfect for both meal prep or packing lunches.
Best Method to Reheat
To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through about 20 minutes should do the trick. You can also reheat it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but it might not keep that lovely texture as well.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This Cowboy Meatloaf is freezer-friendly. You can freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last about 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and cook or reheat as normal.
With its hearty ingredients and mouthwatering flavor, this Cowboy Meatloaf is bound to become a staple in your household. You’ll love how versatile and easy it is to make. So next time you’re scrambling for a quick, satisfying dinner, just remember this recipe. Your family will thank you, and you’ll probably find yourself making it again and again… like I do!
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and whip up this Cowboy Meatloaf, and tell me how much your family loved it! Can’t wait to hear all about it! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Quick and Easy Cowboy Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This easy Cowboy Meatloaf comes together in just 60 minutes! A hearty family favorite loaded with flavor that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, pinto beans, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, eggs, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Brush additional BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
This meatloaf is customizable with various meats or add-ins such as jalapeños and vegetables. It pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg