Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

cheesy tater tot casserole

Picture a golden, bubbly Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole fresh from the oven, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of melted cheese and savory beef.

This dish is the epitome of simple, cozy cooking – it’s easy to prepare and oh-so-indulgent.

As the ingredients bake together, the cheese melts, and the tots crisp up to perfection, creating a delightful transformation.

Let’s bring this delicious casserole to life and savor every bite.

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 baking dish (9×13 inch)
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 measuring cup set
  • 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole, follow this timeline:

Timeline:

  1. 0:00 – 0:05 (5 minutes)
    • Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and ingredients.
  2. 0:05 – 0:20 (15 minutes)
    • Gather all equipment and ingredients.
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, onion, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Mix the ingredients until well combined.
  3. 0:20 – 0:25 (5 minutes)
    • Spread the meat mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
    • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
  4. 0:25 – 1:15 (50 minutes)
    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes.
  5. 1:15 – 1:25 (10 minutes)
    • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots.
    • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. 1:25 – 1:35 (10 minutes)
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, onion, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.

Mix the ingredients until well combined.

Spread the meat mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Add a healthy touch with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans to balance the richness.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for an extra layer of taste and texture.
  • Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a revitalizing contrast to the cheesy, hearty casserole.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For those who love extra comfort food, pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Storage

To store Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Freezing

To freeze Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole, allow it to cool completely.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole, cover it with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any family meal.

Its combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese creates the ultimate satisfying experience.

Preparing this casserole is simple and requires minimal ingredients and effort.

This dish serves six and is perfect for a cozy dinner. For added flair, consider incorporating bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture.

You can also explore different cheese combinations or add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Enjoy this hearty casserole with your loved ones and savor every cheesy, crispy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Turkey Instead of Ground Beef for a Healthier Option?

Sure, you can swap ground turkey for beef to lighten it up. I’ve tried it, and it tastes great! Just make sure to adjust the seasoning a bit, as turkey has a milder flavor. Enjoy!

What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs for a Gluten-Free Version?

For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with crushed rice crackers or gluten-free oats. Once, I tried almond flour, and it worked wonders. Just mix it in, ensuring the texture’s right, and bake as usual. Enjoy!

How Do I Prevent the Casserole From Becoming Too Greasy?

You’ve got to try this: drain excess fat halfway through cooking by tilting the dish carefully. Use lean ground beef and pat dry the tater tots before baking. It keeps things tasty without that greasy mess!

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time and Bake It Later?

You can prep it ahead! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. I’ve done this, and it works perfectly!

What Side Dishes Pair Well With This Casserole?

You’ll love pairing this with a crisp green salad for freshness. Add steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for color and texture. Remember that time you craved buttery rolls? They’re perfect here, soaking up every flavorful bite.

cheesy tater tot casserole

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Baking dish (9×13 inch)
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 measuring cup set
  • 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, onion, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Mix the ingredients until well combined.
  • Spread the meat mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture. You can also use a mix of different cheeses for a richer taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
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