Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal? Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a perfect solution for busy families or anyone craving hearty, satisfying comfort food. This casserole combines the best of two classic dishes: savory meatloaf and crispy tater tots, all smothered in gooey cheese. With its smoky barbecue sauce, rich beef, and crispy potato topping, it’s a true crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole will bring everyone to the table with a smile.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking. - Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, ketchup, and Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. This mixture will form the base of your casserole. - Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:
Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Press it evenly into the bottom to create a meatloaf layer. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. This gives the meatloaf time to cook through and set, creating a firm foundation for the next layers. - Add the Tater Tots and Cheese:
After the meatloaf has cooked for 40 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the meatloaf, covering the surface completely. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the tater tots, followed by a generous sprinkling of bacon bits. These toppings will melt into a beautiful golden crust as the casserole finishes baking. - Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the tater tots are crispy and slightly golden on top. The combination of melted cheese and crunchy tater tots creates the perfect balance of textures. - Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Serving Suggestions:
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of extra barbecue sauce for dipping if you like your casserole extra saucy.
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful combination of comfort foods that will quickly become a favorite in your home. With its savory meatloaf base, crispy tater tot topping, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and makes for great leftovers, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. This dish offers the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence, making it a go-to recipe when you need something comforting and delicious. Try it tonight and see why it’s called the ultimate comfort casserole!