Savor The Ultimate Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake Tonight (Print version)

A cozy cheesy meatloaf and tater tot bake with a juicy beef layer, ketchup glaze, crisp potato topping, and melted cheddar.

# Ingredients:

For the meatloaf layer

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) 85/15 ground beef
02 - 3/4 cup (60 g) plain breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 small yellow onion, grated
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 garlic powder
12 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the glaze and topping

13 - 1/3 cup (80 g) ketchup
14 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
15 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
16 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
17 - 1 bag (28 oz or 790 g) frozen tater tots
18 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chopped parsley, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin coat of oil.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 cup cheddar. Mix gently just until combined.
03 - Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Stir together the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar, then spread it over the top.
04 - Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar over the glaze. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
05 - Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the tater tots are browned and the center of the beef layer reaches 160°F.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the hot tots and bake for 5 more minutes, until melted. Broil briefly if you want extra browning.
07 - Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Finish with green onions or parsley if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer for the crispest topping.
02 - Cook the ground beef layer to 160°F in the center.
03 - Resting the casserole makes it easier to slice into squares.

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