Cheesy Meatloaf Tater Tot Bake (Print version)
A cozy meatloaf casserole with a juicy beef base, tangy glaze, melted cheddar, and a crisp tater tot topping.
# Ingredients:
For the meatloaf base
01 -
2 lb (900 g) ground beef, 85 to 90 percent lean
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
3/4 cup (75 g) plain breadcrumbs
04 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
05 -
1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced yellow onion
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/4 cup (60 g) ketchup
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 -
Nonstick cooking spray or 1 teaspoon oil, for the dish
For the topping
13 -
1/3 cup (80 g) ketchup
14 -
1/4 cup (70 g) barbecue sauce
15 -
2 cups (225 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
16 -
1 bag (32 oz or 900 g) frozen tater tots
17 -
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or sliced green onions, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
03 -
Press the beef mixture into an even layer in the baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes, until the top is set and some juices gather at the edges.
04 -
Carefully spoon off excess fat if needed. Stir the ketchup and barbecue sauce together, then spread it over the meatloaf layer.
05 -
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheddar over the glaze. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a tight single layer on top.
06 -
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tots are golden and the meatloaf layer reaches 160 F in the center.
07 -
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the tots. Bake 4 to 6 minutes more, until melted and bubbling.
08 -
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if using, then cut into squares and serve hot.
# Good to know:
01 -
Resting helps the cheesy meatloaf layer slice cleanly.
02 -
Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer for the crispiest topping.
03 -
Check the center with an instant-read thermometer before serving.