Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
A fun and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, this casserole combines ground beef, savory meat mixture, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
For the meat mixture
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Add more cheese for extra flavor.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots Seasoned crinkle-cut fries can be used as a variation.
For the sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Press the meat mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
- Arrange tater tots on top of the cheese in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread this mixture evenly over the tater tots.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve this casserole hot, right out of the oven! It goes great with a side salad or some steamed veggies. You can also add some extra ketchup on the side for dipping. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to a month.