Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1 onion, diced 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- ½ tsp black pepper 🌶️
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup 🍅
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots 🥔
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Tip: Break up the beef as it cooks for an even texture throughout the casserole.
- Season the Mixture:
- Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture to create a deliciously cheesy layer.
- Pour the Soup:
- Pour the condensed tomato soup over the cheese layer, spreading it out with a spatula for even coverage.
- Top with Tater Tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the tomato soup layer, covering the entire surface for a crispy topping.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm
How to Serve Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli for a balanced meal. For a little extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
How to Store Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melting consistency, grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- Add Extra Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, mix in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the ground beef.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a little heat.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- BBQ Twist: Replace the tomato soup with barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer for an extra savory twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella would also work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Q: How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure that your tater tots are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the best of meatloaf and tater tots in one satisfying meal. With its hearty layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up, and enjoy a cozy meal everyone will love
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1 onion diced 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic minced 🧄
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- ½ tsp black pepper 🌶️
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 10.5 oz can condensed tomato soup 🍅
- 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots 🥔
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Tip: Break up the beef as it cooks for an even texture throughout the casserole.
- Season the Mixture:
- Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture to create a deliciously cheesy layer.
- Pour the Soup:
- Pour the condensed tomato soup over the cheese layer, spreading it out with a spatula for even coverage.
- Top with Tater Tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the tomato soup layer, covering the entire surface for a crispy topping.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm.