Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

If you are looking for a delicious and comforting dish that everyone in the family will love, look no further than the Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole. This dish combines the savory flavors of meatloaf with the fun, crispy texture of tater tots and gooey cheese. It is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is not only tasty, but it is also easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a meal that your whole family will enjoy. It is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Making this casserole is a breeze! Just follow the steps below, and you will have a meal ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and ketchup. Make sure to combine them well but do not overwork the meat.
3. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese layer.
6. Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden, and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature should be 160°F).
7. Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and return it to the oven for 5 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is best served warm and can be sliced into squares for easy serving. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. Everyone will appreciate the cheesy goodness and comforting flavors!

How to Store Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

If you have leftovers, you can store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also heat individual portions in the microwave.

Tips to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

• For a spicier kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack if you want to change up the flavor.
• To save time, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach to the meat mixture for added nutrition. Alternatively, use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tater tots, but adjust the cooking time according to their thickness and cooking instructions.

Q2: Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the fully assembled but uncooked casserole. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake it directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Let yourself indulge in this delightful Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole. It’s sure to become a family favorite that you return to again and again!

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole combines savory meatloaf flavors with the crispy texture of tater tots and gooey cheese, making it a hearty, comforting dish perfect for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
• Fresh parsley, chopped optional for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and ketchup. Make sure to combine them well but do not overwork the meat.
• Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
• Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese layer.

Baking

• Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden, and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature should be 160°F).
• Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and return it to the oven for 5 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole is best served warm; you can slice it into squares for easy serving. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. To save time, prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Keyword Casserole, Cheesy, comfort food, meatloaf, Tater Tots