Here’s a detailed and engaging version of the Meatloaf Tater Tot Casserole recipe, tailored for the “Love With Recipes” site. This recipe features a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that your whole family will love.
Meatloaf Tater Tot Casserole
Description
The Meatloaf Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and straightforward dish that comes together in just over an hour, making it an ideal choice for hectic weeknights. This recipe has been a family favorite, blending the flavors of meatloaf with crispy tater tots and creamy cheddar cheese soup. To elevate the dish, consider adding finely chopped onions and green peppers for a burst of flavor, or even jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick. The best part? Kids will be delighted by the combination of hamburger and cheesy tater tots all in one delicious casserole.
Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
Keywords
Meat, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato juice | 1 cup |
| Oatmeal | 3/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Tater tots | 1 package (approximately 32 ounces) |
| Cheddar cheese soup | 1 can (approximately 10.5 ounces) |
| Optional toppings (chopped onions, green peppers, jalapeños) | As desired |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 334.9 |
| Total Fat | 21.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 112.5 mg |
| Sodium | 747.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
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Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, oatmeal, egg, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or a spoon to mix these ingredients well until they are fully integrated. The oatmeal will help to bind the mixture and add a hearty texture.
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Add Ground Beef: Next, add the ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, combine the meat with the mixture until it is evenly distributed. Ensure that the beef is well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
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Spread in Baking Pan: Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to a 13×9 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring that it is level and smooth.
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Top with Tater Tots: Now comes the fun part! Open your package of tater tots and create a single layer over the meatloaf mixture. Don’t worry if you have a few leftover; they can always be cooked separately as a tasty snack later!
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Add Cheddar Cheese Soup: Open the can of cheddar cheese soup and pour it evenly over the layer of tater tots. To make this easier, you can stir the soup with a spoon as you pour, allowing it to flow more freely out of the can. This layer will create a creamy topping that perfectly complements the crispy tater tots.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for one hour. As it bakes, the flavors will meld beautifully, and the tater tots will become golden and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, perhaps with a dollop of ketchup on the side, for a delightful and satisfying meal. Your family will appreciate the comforting flavors and easy preparation of this hearty dish.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Additions: For added flavor and nutrition, consider mixing in chopped onions, bell peppers, or even some jalapeños to the meat mixture before baking.
- Cheese Variations: If you want to switch things up, try using different types of cheese soup or adding shredded cheese on top of the tater tots during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy layer.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover it with foil and bake it from cold, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
The Meatloaf Tater Tot Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a delightful blend of comfort and convenience that makes dinner preparation a breeze, even on the busiest of days. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Feel free to adjust any details to better suit your personal tastes or the needs of your audience!
