When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that bring the family together, nothing quite compares to a casserole. The Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a delightful twist on classic meatloaf, combining savory beef, crunchy tater tots, and gooey cheese into a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner idea or a dish to impress at a potluck, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Lean ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Ritz crackers, crushed | 30 |
| Lipton onion soup mix | 2 oz |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Frozen tater tots | 24 oz |
| Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend | 2 cups |
| Real bacon bits | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup and 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Stir the mixture well until it is smooth and set it aside.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 lbs of lean ground beef, 30 crushed Ritz crackers, 2 oz of Lipton onion soup mix, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
4. Shape the Meatloaf
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent the meatloaf from sticking. Press the meatloaf mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire bottom.
5. Add the Sauce
Take the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will create a delicious glaze as it bakes.
6. Arrange the Tater Tots
Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sauce-covered meatloaf. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
7. Add the Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the tater tots. Then, add 1/4 cup of real bacon bits for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the ground beef is thoroughly cooked.
9. Let It Rest
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole into portions and serve it hot. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures with your family and friends.