Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining savory ground beef meatloaf with crispy tater tots, tangy barbecue sauce, and a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a fun twist on traditional meatloaf by layering flavorful components into a delicious casserole baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
Topping
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- 1/4 cup real beef bits
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce until well combined to make the topping sauce.
- Combine meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form the meatloaf mixture.
- Assemble casserole: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Pour the prepared barbecue sauce evenly over the meatloaf layer. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the tater tots, then top with the real beef bits for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through, the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors settle. Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, hearty meatloaf casserole!
Notes
- Make sure to fully cook the meatloaf to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Using crushed Ritz crackers helps to bind the meatloaf and add a subtle buttery flavor.
- Frozen tater tots do not need to be pre-cooked; they will crisp up during baking.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or sauce.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it to hold together better when sliced.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
