Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake
This comforting casserole brings together the savory goodness of a traditional meatloaf with the satisfying crunch of golden tater tots. Combining high-quality ground beef with aromatic onion, garlic, and a rich layer of melted cheddar, this dish is a hearty weeknight dinner that delights both children and adults. It is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for families looking to simplify their meal routine without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.33 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
0.5 cup ketchup
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed.
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer completely covering the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 35 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Ensure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer to guarantee maximum crispiness in the oven.