When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a classic meatloaf, especially when it’s topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole brings together the savory goodness of a traditional meatloaf with the indulgence of cheese and the crunch of tater tots. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cold night or preparing a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. With the blend of sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, bacon bits, and a hearty combination of ground beef and melted cheese, this dish takes meatloaf to a whole new level.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- 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:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring the meatloaf doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. These ingredients serve as the base for the meatloaf, creating a tender and flavorful meat mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly combined.
- Add 1/2 cup of the ketchup and 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce to the mixture. Stir well until everything is well-coated and integrated. This will give the meatloaf a moist texture and infuse it with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Shape it into a loaf shape, spreading it evenly across the dish. This ensures that the meatloaf cooks uniformly and forms a solid base for the tater tots and cheese topping.
- Top the Meatloaf:
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce together. Spread this mixture over the top of the meatloaf, creating a delicious glaze that will caramelize in the oven as it bakes.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend generously over the meatloaf. The cheese will melt to create a gooey, savory topping that complements the meat perfectly.
- Add the Tater Tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese-covered meatloaf. These tater tots will bake to a golden-brown crispiness, providing a delightful contrast to the soft meatloaf and melted cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the meatloaf is fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Finishing Touches:
- Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the real bacon bits over the top. The bacon bits will add an extra layer of smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is an incredibly satisfying dish that brings together the best of comfort food in one easy-to-make recipe. The combination of tender, flavorful meatloaf, gooey melted cheese, crispy tater tots, and smoky bacon bits creates a meal that is both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole will not disappoint. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it’s a surefire way to win over any crowd. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously cheesy, savory meal that everyone will love!