Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! A hearty meatloaf base is topped with crispy tater tots and gooey melted cheese for a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Sauce:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Onion soup mix
- Eggs
- 1/2 cup of the ketchup & barbecue sauce mixture
- Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
3. Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the remaining ketchup & barbecue sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Add Tater Tots and Cheese:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots.
- Make it spicy! Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American