Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake
This delightful dish combines the heartiness of meatloaf with crispy tater tots for a fun and filling family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, the Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With ground beef mixed with spices, oats, and a creamy cheddar soup, all topped with golden tater tots, this casserole is comfort food at its best. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or onions for added flavor and nutrition. Your kids will love this creative take on a burger and tater tots, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomato Juice
1 cup (none)
Oatmeal
3/4 cup (none)
Egg
1 large, beaten (beaten)
Onion Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground Beef
2 lbs (ground)
Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can (none)
Frozen Tater Tots
1 package (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, oatmeal, beaten egg, onion salt, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3
Add the ground beef to the mixture, mixing it with your hands until evenly combined.
4
Spread the meat mixture evenly into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan.
5
Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots over the top of the meat mixture. You may have some extra tater tots left over.
6
In a separate bowl, pour the condensed cheddar cheese soup. Stir it with a spoon to loosen the texture, then pour it evenly over the tater tots.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the meat is fully cooked and the tater tots are golden brown.
8
Serve hot, with ketchup on the side for dipping if desired!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake?
It is a hearty casserole dish that combines a meatloaf-style base with a layer of crispy frozen tater tots and a creamy cheddar cheese soup topping.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a greased 13x9 inch baking pan.
Do I need to cook the meat before putting it in the pan?
No, the raw ground beef is mixed with other ingredients and then spread into the pan to bake for a full hour.
What ingredients are used as a binder for the meat?
The meat is bound together using 1 cup of tomato juice, 3/4 cup of oatmeal, and 1 large beaten egg.
How long does the Cheesy Beef & Tater Tot Bake need to cook?
The dish should be baked for 1 hour or until the meat is fully cooked and the tater tots are golden brown.
Should I use frozen or thawed tater tots?
You should use frozen tater tots directly from the package.
What kind of cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses one can of condensed cheddar cheese soup to provide the cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
Do I need to dilute the condensed cheddar cheese soup?
No, simply stir the soup in a bowl to loosen the texture before pouring it directly over the tater tots.
What spices are added to the meat mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon onion salt, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
How should the tater tots be arranged?
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the meat mixture.
Is it okay if I have leftover tater tots?
Yes, the recipe notes that you may have extra tater tots left over after covering the meat in a single layer.
What is the best way to mix the meat and ingredients?
It is recommended to mix the ingredients with your hands to ensure the beef and binders are evenly combined.
What should I serve with this meal?
The recipe suggests serving it hot with ketchup on the side for dipping.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes, it is described as a creative take on burgers and tater tots that is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for children.
Does the pan need to be greased?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a greased 13x9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
What is the primary liquid used in the meat base?
The primary liquid for the meat base is 1 cup of tomato juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, it uses 2 lbs of beef and a 13x9 pan, making it suitable for a large family meal.
Can I use quick oats or old-fashioned oats?
The recipe simply lists 'oatmeal,' so either variety should work, though quick oats often blend more smoothly into meat mixtures.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires a total of 9 ingredients.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a casserole and a one-dish meal.
Is there a specific order for mixing the meat base?
Yes, you should first mix the tomato juice, oatmeal, egg, and spices before adding the ground beef.
Why is cheddar cheese soup used instead of shredded cheese?
The soup provides a creamy, sauce-like consistency that coats the tater tots as they bake.
How do I know the tater tots are done?
The tater tots are done when they have achieved a golden brown color.
Is this a meatloaf recipe?
It is described as a dish that combines the heartiness of meatloaf with a tater tot topping.
Can I prep the meat mixture in advance?
Yes, the meat mixture can be combined ahead of time, though it is best to add the tater tots and soup right before baking.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food.
Do I need to cover the pan with foil?
The instructions do not mention covering the pan; baking it uncovered helps the tater tots become golden and crispy.