Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole featuring a seasoned ground beef meatloaf base topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots. Perfect for an easy family dinner that combines classic flavors in a one-dish bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat which can make it tough.
- Form Meatloaf Layer: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a uniform meatloaf base layer.
- Add Cheese and Tater Tots: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat layer. Then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese for even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh presentation.
Notes
- Add chopped bell pepper or cooked bacon to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
