Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole is a savory ground beef, corn, and vegetable base layered with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar and pepper Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and fried onions. It's a comforting one-dish meal that bakes until hot and bubbly in under 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop when cool. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
Meanwhile, place chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add evaporated milk, butter, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mash with a potato masher until smooth.
Stir about 1/4 cup of the chopped bacon into the mashed potatoes and set aside.
To the skillet with reserved bacon fat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the corn, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, remaining 1 tsp salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir to combine.
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the beef layer.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, the remaining chopped bacon, and the French fried onions.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
2-quart baking dish · large skillet · large pot · potato masher
Yes. Assemble the casserole completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake from cold at 375°F, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda. Pepper Jack adds a subtle heat; omit it if you prefer a milder casserole.
Yes. Ground turkey or pork work well; use the same amount and cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes, as with beef.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly. The mashed potato layer should be heated through.
It has the same layered structure, but adds smoked paprika, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and bacon for a savory, smoky cowboy flavor profile.
