Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining flavorful ground beef meatloaf topped with crispy tater tots and a melted cheese blend. Layered with a tangy ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture, this casserole is baked to perfection, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
Meatloaf
- 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, thoroughly mix together 1 cup of ketchup and 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Set this sauce mixture aside to use later.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, creating a consistent layer.
- Spread Sauce Over Meatloaf: Evenly spread the reserved ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meatloaf base, ensuring full coverage for flavor and moisture.
- Add Tater Tots and Cheese: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the sauce-coated meatloaf. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend uniformly over the tater tots.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for another 40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, allow the casserole to rest before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
- You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend with your favorite cheeses if desired.
- To make cleanup easier, line the baking dish with parchment paper before assembling if preferred.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf; it should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
