Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole. Easy to make and perfect for family dinners, this recipe is sure to please everyone!

Introduction

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining the classic flavors of meatloaf with the crispy goodness of tater tots and a generous helping of melted cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots create a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make this casserole a surefire hit.

What makes this casserole truly special is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate your favorite additions, such as vegetables or different types of cheese. If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite, look no further than this Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (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, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meatloaf layer.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
9. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed.

Press the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meatloaf layer. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, ensuring they cover the entire surface.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and added freshness, if desired.

Preparation Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this casserole. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste.

2. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like corn, peas, or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

5. What other types of cheese can I use?

Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack would all work well in this recipe.

Conclusion

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. The combination of savory meatloaf, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, this casserole is a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!