Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish combining classic meatloaf flavors with crispy tater tots and a cheesy topping. Layered with tangy ketchup and smoky barbecue sauce, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, delivering a hearty meal with minimal prep and a deliciously crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
Toppings
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce, mixing well. Set this tangy sauce mixture aside for layering later.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 lbs lean ground beef, 30 crushed Ritz crackers, 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix, and 2 large eggs. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the meat.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the dish, forming a uniform layer. Then, spread the reserved ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf, adding moisture and flavor.
- Add Tater Tots and Cheese: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauced meatloaf. Make sure they cover the entire surface. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly over the tater tots for a melty, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the layers to set. Slice into portions and serve hot, enjoying the crispy tater tots and cheesy, flavorful meatloaf combination.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease but you can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers and reheat in the oven for best texture retention.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking dish to allow even cooking and browning.
