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.
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.