My mom would whip this up on lazy Sundays and it would draw everybody to the kitchen long before it finished baking. When that crispy cheesy top finally appeared, it never lasted more than one meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: provides a juicy savory foundation go for 80 percent lean for the best balance of flavor and texture
- Breadcrumbs: help bind the meat and soak up flavor look for fresh or use panko for extra fluffiness
- Onion: chopped fine for sweetness and depth yellow onions bring a mellow bite
- Garlic: fresh minced brings brightness and lovely aroma choose firm cloves with no sprouting
- Eggs: hold everything together opt for large size and crack them fresh
- Ketchup: for a tangy touch adds moisture use your family’s favorite brand
- Worcestershire sauce: delivers umami complexity look for a good aged bottle
- Salt: sharpens every layer of flavor use kosher or sea salt for clean taste
- Black pepper: for gentle heat freshly cracked if you can
- Frozen tater tots: the ultimate crispy topping straight from the bag use classic for best crunch
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and brings the comfort sharp cheddar gives maximum richness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it is fully hot and ready for baking. This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and develops a browned buttery crust.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base:
- Place ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to thoroughly combine. You want everything fully blended so each bite is consistent and flavorful.
- Shape the Base:
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the bottom of a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. Pack it firmly but do not overwork the meat or it can get tough as it bakes.
- Add the Tater Tot Layer:
- Pour frozen tater tots over the meat mixture and arrange in a single even layer. Line them up side by side for crispy edges on every piece.
- First Bake:
- Slide the dish onto the middle rack and bake for forty five minutes. This cooks the beef through and crisps up the base of the tater tots.
- Cheese Topping:
- Pull the pan from the oven and scatter shredded cheddar over the hot tater tots in a thick blanket. Be generous and ensure you reach to all corners.
- Finish Baking:
- Return to the oven for fifteen more minutes. When the cheese has melted to golden bubbly perfection, you know it is ready.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool and settle for ten minutes before cutting. This makes it easier to serve clean hearty slices.
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