Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, BBQ sauce, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a flat, even layer.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through.
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and drain off any excess grease. This step helps keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
While the meat is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions until smooth and creamy.
Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked meat layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Add the cooked bacon pieces on top of the cheese layer, spreading them out evenly.
Turn your oven to broil and return the dish to the oven. Broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to slice.
Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting cowboy-style casserole.
Enjoy!
