If you’re in the mood for a hearty and satisfying dish that combines classic comfort foods into one delectable casserole, look no further than The Best Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole. This recipe is a delicious fusion of meatloaf and tater tots, topped with a gooey cheese blend and savory bacon bits. It’s a surefire hit for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a meal that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
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
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets perfectly crispy on top.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of lean ground beef, 30 crushed Ritz crackers, 2 ounces of Lipton onion soup mix, and 2 large eggs. The Ritz crackers serve as a binder for the meatloaf, giving it a wonderful texture, while the onion soup mix adds a burst of flavor.
Using your hands or a spatula, mix these ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Form the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture into a large, greased baking dish. Use your hands to press the mixture into an even layer. This will form the base of your casserole and should cover the bottom of the dish evenly.
4. Add the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of ketchup and 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the meatloaf layer. The combination of ketchup and barbecue sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the meatloaf to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
6. Add the Tater Tots
After 45 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Arrange 24 ounces of frozen tater tots evenly over the top of the meatloaf. The tater tots will crisp up nicely in the oven, adding a crunchy texture to the casserole.
7. Top with Cheese and Bacon Bits
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly over the tater tots. The cheese will melt and become gooey, creating a delicious topping. Then, scatter 1/4 cup of real bacon bits over the cheese. The bacon bits add a savory, crispy element that pairs perfectly with the cheese and tater tots.
8. Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese doesn’t over-brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Scoop out portions with a spatula and enjoy the combination of savory meatloaf, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese.
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in your casserole. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Crush Crackers Finely: Ensure that the Ritz crackers are crushed into fine crumbs. This helps them blend seamlessly into the meat mixture and provides the right texture.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses according to your preference. A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and even a touch of Parmesan can add great flavor.
- Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables to the meat mixture or layering them underneath the tater tots. Chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be great additions.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
The Best Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It combines the hearty flavors of meatloaf with the crispy, cheesy goodness of tater tots, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving a crowd at a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
With its layers of savory meatloaf, tangy barbecue sauce, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a winner every time. Give it a try for your next meal and enjoy the rave reviews from your loved ones!
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