Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Ingredients:

• For the Meatloaf:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko or regular)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Casserole:
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or ketchup if you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Meatloaf:

1. Mix the Meatloaf:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatloaf:
   • Transfer the meat mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish, pressing it into an even layer. Shape the meat mixture into a rectangular or square form, depending on the shape of your dish.
3. Bake the Meatloaf:
   • Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is just cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). The meatloaf doesn’t need to be fully browned at this stage since it will bake again with the tater tots.

3. Add the Tater Tot Topping:

1. Top with Cheese:
   • Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
2. Arrange the Tater Tots:
   • Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. This will create the crispy topping that everyone loves!
3. Bake the Casserole:
   • Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Add Sauce and Garnish:

1. Add Sauce (optional):
   • After the casserole has finished baking, drizzle the marinara sauce (or ketchup) over the top of the tater tots. You can also just serve it on the side for dipping.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.