For those nights when you crave comfort food, this Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect dish. It combines the savory goodness of meatloaf with crispy tater tots and a gooey cheese topping, creating a meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
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
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Sauces: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and barbecue sauce. This mixture will give the meatloaf a tangy, sweet flavor.
- Prepare Meatloaf: In a large bowl, mix the lean ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture. Ensure that everything is well combined to create a flavorful meatloaf base.
- Assemble: Press the meatloaf mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in an even layer, then sprinkle with the shredded cheese blend and bacon bits.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. The tater tots should be crispy, the cheese melted, and the meatloaf cooked through.
Tips:
- Extra Flavor: For added flavor, sauté some onions and mushrooms and layer them between the meatloaf and tater tots before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
Conclusion
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is an easy and satisfying dinner that combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to become a family favorite.