Description
This Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake is a wholesome, comforting one-dish meal combining savory ground beef meatloaf layered with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a delightful blend of textures and rich flavors baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Topping
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: additional ketchup for topping
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup ketchup. Mix thoroughly to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Shape Meatloaf: Spread the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to form a uniform layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top of the meatloaf mixture, covering it completely.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and the tater tots have turned golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes to set before slicing. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with extra ketchup if desired.
Notes
- Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or substitute half beef with ground turkey.
- You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Letting the bake rest before serving helps it hold together better when sliced.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: meatloaf, tater tot bake, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner
