Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of meatloaf with the crispy goodness of tater tots. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious casserole:
8. **Bake Casserole:**
– Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. **Add Cheese and Finish:**
– Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and bubble.
10. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired, then slice and serve hot.
### Tips:
– **Variations:** Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
– **Storage:** Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
– **Make-Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it (covered) until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. It combines the comforting elements of meatloaf and crispy tater tots with a cheesy, creamy twist.
Ingredients:
- • 1 cup ketchup
- • 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- • 2 lbs lean ground beef
- • 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- • 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- • 2 large eggs
- • 24 oz frozen tater tots
- • 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- • 1/4 cup real bacon bits
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce; stir well and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands.
4. Press the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture over the meat.
5. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon bits over the tater tots.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 40 minutes or until the ground beef is thoroughly cooked.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 75 minutes | Total Time: 95 minutes Estimated Calories: 540 per serving | Servings: 6 servings