Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake
A delightful combination of savory meatloaf, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots, perfect for family dinners.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 600kcal
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef The foundation of our hearty meatloaf.
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meat mixture.
- 0.33 cup milk Keeps the meatloaf moist.
- 1 piece egg Acts as a binder for structure.
- 1 small onion, finely diced Infuses flavor throughout.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic depth.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Provides a tangy flavor.
- 1 tsp salt Essential for seasoning.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper Essential for seasoning.
Cheese and Tater Tot Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Deliciously gooey when melted.
- 1 bag (28 oz) frozen tater tots Creates a crispy topping.
- 0.5 cup ketchup Glaze for the meatloaf.
- optional fresh parsley, for garnish Adds a touch of color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and ketchup. Stir well.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture.
Baking
- Place the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 35–40 minutes until the meat is fully cooked, and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the baked tater tots and return to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Consider doubling the cheese layers, adding spices like paprika, or substituting tater tots with hash browns or sweet potato tots for variations.