Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole – If you’re looking for a hearty. And comforting dinner. This Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe. Is a must-try. With ground beef, tater tots, cheese, and a tangy BBQ sauce. It’s a family favorite. That’s easy to prepare. And delicious to eat.
The first time I made this Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole. I was looking for a way. To combine my family’s favorite comfort foods. Into one dish. My husband. And kids love meatloaf. But they also can’t get enough of cheesy tater tots. When I pulled this casserole out of the oven. The melted cheese. And crispy tater tots. Made their eyes light up. It was an instant hit. And now they request it regularly!
What makes this Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole truly special?
This Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole. Combines the best elements of meatloaf. And a tater tot casserole. Into one dish. The ground beef is seasoned with a savory onion soup mix. And bound with eggs and cracker crumbs. For a tender texture. Topped with a BBQ ketchup glaze. Crispy tater tots. Bacon and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a complete meal. That pleases both kids. And adults alike.
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe?
Onion soup mix: This little packet packs a big punch. Adding a savory depth to the meatloaf. That makes it taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Large eggs: These are the glue. That holds everything together. Ensuring the meatloaf stays moist. And cohesive.
Frozen tater tots: They bring a crispy, comforting topping to the casserole. Making every bite fun. And crunchy.
Ground beef: The heart of the dish. Providing a rich. And satisfying base for the casserole.
BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy sweetness. That perfectly complements the savory meatloaf.
Ritz crackers: Crushed into crumbs. They add a buttery flavor. And a bit of texture to the meat mixture.
Chopped bacon pieces: These bring a smoky, savory crunch to the top of the casserole.
Ketchup: Mixed with BBQ sauce. It creates a sweet. And tangy glaze. That caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer. That makes the casserole irresistibly delicious.
Steps To Make Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the crackers: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.
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Step 3: Mix the sauces: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and ketchup until well blended.
Step 4: Make the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, half of the BBQ and ketchup mixture, the onion soup mix, and the eggs. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish.
Step 6: Glaze the meat: Brush the remaining BBQ and ketchup mixture over the top of the meat layer.
Step 7: Add the toppings: Spread the tater tots over the meat mixture, then sprinkle with the chopped bacon pieces and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Bake: Tent the baking dish with tin foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 40 minutes.
Step 9: Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.
Tip:
For an extra flavorful. And juicy meatloaf casserole. Consider mixing in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. With the ground beef mixture. This adds a rich umami depth. That enhances the overall flavor. When layering the tater tots. Make sure they are evenly spread. And slightly pressed into the meat mixture. This ensures they adhere well. And create a uniform, crispy topping. Additionally, tenting the casserole with foil. During the first half of baking. Helps to steam the ingredients. Making the meatloaf tender. And moist. While removing the foil later. Allows the tater tots. And cheese. To crisp up perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Yes. You can use fresh potatoes. Dice them into small cubes. Season lightly. And par-cook them. Before layering them on top of the meat mixture.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers. You can use bread crumbs, crushed saltines, or even oats. As a binder in the meat mixture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it with foil. And refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake. Let it come to room temperature first. Then follow the baking instructions.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Meatloaf Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 24 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 30 Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup chopped bacon pieces
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crush Ritz crackers into crumbs.
- Mix BBQ sauce and ketchup in a bowl.
- Combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, half the BBQ mixture, onion soup mix, and eggs in a bowl.
- Press the meat mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Brush remaining BBQ mixture over meat.
- Top with tater tots, bacon, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 40 minutes.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
