Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Combines meatloaf, cheese, and tater tots in one dish.
• Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.
• Great for Families: A kid-friendly dish that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or extra toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Casserole Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Base

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until combined.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

2. Add the Cheese Layer

• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meatloaf.

3. Arrange the Tater Tots

• Evenly place tater tots over the cheese layer in a single layer.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor.

4. Bake the Casserole

• Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F).
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped green onions.
• Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, crispy, and hearty casserole!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture.
• BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes! Thinly sliced potatoes can be used, but they may need longer baking time.

2. What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar works great, but you can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend.

3. Can I make this in advance?

Yes! Assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

4. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites. With layers of flavorful meatloaf, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a cozy dish, this casserole is easy, delicious, and always satisfying. Try it today!

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