Description
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and hearty twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. Combining seasoned ground meat with melted cheese and a crispy tater tot topping, this casserole offers a deliciously cheesy and crispy texture perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional vegetables such as bell pepper or mushrooms, finely chopped (½ cup)
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any optional vegetables. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings and vegetables.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the seasoned meatloaf mixture evenly in a casserole dish, pressing it down gently to create an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the meat mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single even layer to ensure crispiness.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the meat mixture is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F if using beef).
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can customize the ground meat based on preference: beef for traditional flavor, turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the meat mixture increases nutrition and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground meat is fully cooked to a safe temperature (160°F for beef, 165°F for poultry).
- For extra crispy tater tots, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
