Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole combines two favorites: meatloaf and tater tots! It’s a hearty, flavorful casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots on top. Perfect for family dinners or a comforting weeknight meal. 🍖🧀🍽️
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Casserole:
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
- 1 cup marinara sauce or ketchup
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Meatloaf Layer:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until fully combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the Meatloaf:
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a layer.
- Add the Tater Tots:
- Arrange the tater tots evenly on top of the meatloaf layer.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Add the Cheese and Sauce:
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Spoon the marinara sauce or ketchup over the top of the tater tots. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Final Bake:
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make it spicier: Add a bit of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
- Add veggies: For added flavor and nutrition, you can mix in some chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meatloaf mixture.
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table! It’s easy to make, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. 🍽️💯