Description

This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines two family favorites—classic meatloaf and crispy tater tot casserole—into one irresistible dish. Juicy, flavorful meatloaf made with Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, and a sweet-and-smoky BBQ ketchup glaze forms the hearty base. It’s topped with golden tater tots, gooey melted cheese, and savory bacon bits for the perfect crispy, cheesy finish. This crowd-pleasing casserole is easy to prepare, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients

– 1 cup ketchup
– 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
– 2 lbs lean ground beef
– 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
– 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
– 2 large eggs
– 24 oz frozen tater tots
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
– 1/4 cup real bacon bits

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce. Stir well and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
4. Press the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meat.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sauce.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and bacon bits over the tater tots.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 40 minutes or until the ground beef is thoroughly cooked.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9. Serve the Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

Cracker Swap: No Ritz on hand? You can substitute with saltine crackers, crushed cornflakes, or even seasoned breadcrumbs for a similar texture and flavor.
Cheese Options: Use your favorite cheese blend—Colby Jack, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack would all work well and bring their own twist to the dish.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, covered. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Tater Tot Tips: For extra-crispy tots, you can bake them for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped onions, green peppers, or shredded carrots into the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans to round out the meal.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.