Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Combo!
Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole combines the classic meatloaf with crispy tater tots and melted cheese for a twist that’s bound to be a hit. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish is quick, filling, and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and form it into a loaf shape.
- Spread the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the sauce, covering the entire casserole.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Quick Tips:
- For an extra cheesy flavor, you can add a blend of mozzarella and cheddar on top for the final bake.
- To make this meal even heartier, you can add some vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce or add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Printable Recipe Summary:
| Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter version of this casserole.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the tater tots and cheese just before baking.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?
Feel free to add cooked vegetables or extra seasonings to customize the flavor. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would work great!
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Enjoy!
