Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Sometimes, you just need a meal that combines all the things you love in one easy, comforting dish. Enter Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole—a savory, cheesy masterpiece that combines the best of meatloaf and crispy tater tots into a single, soul-warming casserole. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and golden, crispy tater tots on top, this dish is sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a hearty meal for yourself, this casserole hits all the right notes.

It’s like the ultimate comfort food in casserole form—savory, cheesy, and downright delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Here’s why this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

All-in-One Comfort Food

Meatloaf and tater tots are already a perfect match, and when you combine them in a casserole, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. It’s the ultimate combination of savory meat and crispy potatoes, topped with cheese. Pure bliss!

Easy to Make

This recipe is super simple and takes just a few ingredients. You can prep it in no time, and most of the cooking is done in the oven. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty with minimal effort.

Perfect for Family Meals

This casserole is a one-pan meal, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your tastes. You can use different cheeses, seasonings, or even add extra veggies like bell peppers or onions to make it your own!

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Casserole:

• 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 28 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard (optional for a tangy kick)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this cheesy, hearty casserole going!

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatloaf Layer

Press the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer across the bottom. This will be the base of your casserole, so make sure it’s spread evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Step 3: Add the Tater Tot Layer

Once the meatloaf layer is cooked through, remove it from the oven and spread the frozen tater tots evenly over the meatloaf. You can arrange them in a nice neat layer or go for the “scatter them around” approach—either way, they’ll crisp up beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and mustard (if using) together. Spread this sauce mixture evenly over the tater tots. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots, followed by the grated Parmesan. This will melt and create a cheesy, gooey topping.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You may want to check halfway through to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. If you like your tater tots extra crispy, feel free to bake for a few extra minutes!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings total):

Calories per serving: 500
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin A: 12%
Vitamin C: 5%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is a hearty and filling meal on its own, but here are some delicious side dishes to round out the meal:

Side Dish Pairings:

• Simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole
• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a light, veggie-packed side
• Garlic bread to scoop up all the cheesy goodness
• Coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole

Toppings:

• Chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor
• Extra ketchup or BBQ sauce for dipping

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

You can prepare the meatloaf layer ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. This can save you some time on busy weeknights.

Frozen Tater Tots

While the recipe calls for frozen tater tots, you can also use other frozen potato products like tater tots with a bit more seasoning, or even frozen hashbrowns if you’re feeling adventurous.

Customizing the Casserole

Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables to make this casserole even more hearty. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even corn kernels are all great additions to the meatloaf layer.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef, though it will give the casserole a slightly different flavor. You can also use lean beef for a lighter version.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

A2: Absolutely! You can stir in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture to add extra flavor and nutrition.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A3: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?

A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it (without baking), cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A6: Yes! Feel free to swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.

Q7: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

A7: While frozen tater tots provide that crispy texture, you can use thinly sliced fresh potatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to season them well and adjust the cooking time.

Q8: How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?

A8: For an extra crispy texture, bake the casserole for a few extra minutes after the cheese has melted, or use the broil setting for the last couple of minutes.

Q9: How many servings does this casserole make?

A9: This recipe yields about 8 servings.

Q10: Can I make this without ketchup?

A10: You can! If you don’t like ketchup, substitute with BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, or just skip it and enjoy the cheese and meatloaf.

Conclusion

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With layers of juicy meatloaf, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese, it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something hearty, this casserole has got you covered. Enjoy every bite!

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