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Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

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Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy meatloaf, gooey melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, potluck, or busy weeknight meal, this hearty casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor!

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)

Instructions

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.
  • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.

2. Add the Cheese Layer

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

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!

Notes

Notes & 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.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/cheesy-tater-tot-meatloaf-casserole/