Ultimate Comfort Meatloaf Topped with Tater Tots and Cheese
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 and Prepare Sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup and 1 cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. Stir well and set aside.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 lbs of lean ground beef, 30 crushed Ritz crackers, 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatloaf.
- Add Tater Tots and Cheese:
- Arrange 24 oz of frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sauce-covered meatloaf.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend and 1/4 cup of real bacon bits over the tater tots.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the ground beef is thoroughly cooked and the tater tots are crispy and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Estimated Calories: 540 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
20 Most Popular Questions and Their Answers Related to Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
- Can I use a different type of ground meat?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
- Substitute with breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
- Yes, finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or grated carrots can be added to the meatloaf mixture.
- How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
- The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Can I use a different barbecue sauce?
- Yes, use your favorite barbecue sauce if you prefer a different flavor.
- What can I serve with this casserole?
- Serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
- Yes, thinly sliced or diced potatoes can be used but may require a longer baking time.
- Can I omit the bacon bits?
- Yes, the bacon bits are optional and can be omitted if desired.
- Is it necessary to cover the casserole with foil while baking?
- Covering with foil helps to cook the meatloaf evenly and prevents the cheese from burning. Remove the foil to crisp the tater tots.
- Can I add more spices to the meatloaf mixture?
- Yes, feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, or any other preferred spices.
- Can I make individual portions instead of one large casserole?
- Yes, you can divide the mixture into muffin tins or smaller baking dishes for individual servings.
- How long can leftovers be stored in the refrigerator?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How can I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of tater tots?
- Yes, spread prepared instant mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf instead of tater tots.
- Can I add a sauce on top of the tater tots?
- Yes, a drizzle of additional barbecue sauce or a cheese sauce can be added on top.
- Can I use egg substitutes?
- Yes, you can use egg substitutes or flax eggs if you have dietary restrictions.
- Can I cook this casserole in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can cook the meatloaf mixture in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then transfer to an oven-safe dish to add tater tots and cheese and bake until golden.
Secrets to Achieve the Perfect Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh ground beef and quality cheese can make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
- Season Generously:
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Add extra spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for enhanced flavor.
- Crush Crackers Well:
- Ensure the Ritz crackers are finely crushed to help bind the meatloaf mixture uniformly.
- Blend Ingredients Thoroughly:
- Mix the ground beef, seasonings, and other ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Let the meatloaf mixture chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and the mixture to firm up.
- Use a Meat Thermometer:
- Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked without drying out.
- Choose High-Quality Cheese:
- Use a good quality cheese blend like a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for the best melting and flavor.
- Pre-Bake Tater Tots:
- For extra crispy tater tots, pre-bake them for a few minutes before placing them on top of the casserole.
- Layer Flavors:
- Spread half of the sauce mixture in the meatloaf mixture and reserve the rest to spread on top. This layers the flavor throughout.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon Bits:
- If adding bacon bits, use thick-cut bacon for a heartier, more flavorful bite.
- Drain Excess Fat:
- If your ground beef releases a lot of fat during baking, carefully drain it off halfway through cooking to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Add Vegetables:
- Finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots can be mixed into the meatloaf for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Rest Before Slicing:
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice.
- Crisp the Top:
- For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Double the Cheese:
- For cheese lovers, add an extra layer of cheese in the middle of the casserole.
- Even Layer of Tater Tots:
- Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Use a Deep Dish:
- A deep 9×13-inch dish can help accommodate all the layers without overflow.
- Add a Tangy Kick:
- Mix a tablespoon of mustard or Worcestershire sauce into the meatloaf mixture for a tangy depth of flavor.
- Top with Fresh Herbs:
- Garnish the finished casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce:
- Serve with additional barbecue sauce or a creamy ranch dip on the side for extra flavor.
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