Description
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
Spice things up with jalapeños and extra seasoning for a bold, cheesy, and crispy delight!
Ingredients:
2 lbs lean ground beef
30 Ritz crackers, crushed
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
½ cup diced jalapeños
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tbsp hot sauce
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup spicy barbecue sauce
2 cups frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix beef, crackers, cheese, jalapeños, eggs, milk, hot sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Press into a baking dish and spread barbecue sauce on top.
Layer with tater tots and bake for 35 minutes.
Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese on top and bake for 10 more minutes.
#SpicyTaterTotCasserole
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect casserole every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, eggs, milk, hot sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands for the best, most even mix. Transfer this meat mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and press it firmly into an even layer. Next, evenly spread the entire cup of spicy barbecue sauce over the meat layer. Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer on top of the sauce. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove the dish, sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for a final 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are golden.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides to balance its richness. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with a cool ranch or avocado lime dressing. For a classic comfort food combo, add a side of steamed green beans, roasted corn, or garlic bread. A dollop of sour cream or cool guacamole on the side helps temper the spice from the jalapeños and hot sauce.
How-to Summary
In short: Mix beef base ingredients, press into a dish, top with BBQ sauce and tater tots, bake for 35 minutes, add cheese, and bake 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the meat layer, add the BBQ sauce, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the frozen tater tots and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How can I make it less spicy? Omit the jalapeños and hot sauce, use mild barbecue sauce and regular cheddar cheese instead of pepper jack and Mexican blend.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Why do my tater tots stay soggy? Ensure your oven is fully preheated and that you are using frozen, not thawed, tater tots. Placing them in a single, not overlapping, layer is crucial for maximum crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the meat, as this can make the final texture dense and tough. Do not press the tater tots into the meat layer; simply place them on top so they can crisp up properly. Using thawed tater tots will result in a mushy topping. Finally, do not skip the step of baking the initial layer before adding the cheese, as this ensures the meat is fully cooked and the tots are partially crisped.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate fusion of comfort food favorites, delivering bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and customize the spice level to your liking. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, guaranteed to become a new family favorite.