How to Make Delicious Mini Tater Tot Meatloaf

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This fun Mini Tater Tot Meatloaf recipe comes together so quickly and is a great option for game days, entertaining, or an easy dinner even kids will love!

This fun recipe is not your mama’s meatloaf! With the individual servings, tater tots, and melted cheese, it makes for a filling and delicious entree or appetizer that also looks great for entertaining.

Ingredients

You likely already have most of these ingredients! Here is all you need:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
• 30 Ritz crackers
• 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 eggs, large
• 24 oz frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits

Supplies Needed: One large mixing bowl, one small mixing bowl.

Baking Pan Options: One 13×9-inch pan, mini loaf pan, or cupcake pan for smaller bites

Substitution Suggestions

For a slightly healthier option, you can try the following substitutions for your Mini Tater Tot Meatloaf recipe:

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey
• Swap bacon bites for turkey bacon, chopped
• Replace tater tots with favorite veggies
• Use slightly less cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Combine ketchup and barbecue sauce into a small mixing bowl. Stir well and set aside.
3. Add ground beef into a large mixing bowl.
4. Place the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Pour the crumbs into the bowl with ground beef.
5. Add the onion soup mix, eggs and 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture to bowl with the ground beef. Use your hands or wooden spoon to combine all of the ingredients well.
6. Press the meat mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish or mini loaf pan.
7. Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture on top of the meat.
8. Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sauce.
9. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the tater tots followed by the bacon bits.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
11. Place the dish in the oven and bake the mini loaves for 35 minutes. If baking in a casserole dish: After 35 minutes remove the foil and continue baking for another 40 minutes or until the ground beef is cooked through.
12. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Recipe adapted from from thisisnotdietfood.com

Tip: If using a smaller baking tin servings like a muffin pan, the baking time might be slightly less. Check the meatloaf after 25-30 minutes and adjust if needed.

Here’s A Quick Video Tutorial!

Perfect Presentation Platters

Who says meatloaf can’t be cute? These mini tater tot meatloaf servings would be cute on one large platter or in individual serving bowls or plates. Here are some of my favorites!

Baking Tins: I used a pan very similar to this mini loaf pan from Amazon, or you could use this cute version from Walmart, or this muffin tin by Rachel Ray.

Serving Platters: If you’d like to serve these on a larger serving platter, you have so many options! This round and gold serving tray from Walmart is beautiful, as well as this agate cheese board, this super useful white rectangular tray from Walmart, or this raised wooden trivet from Target.

Serving Plates: I used simple white plates similar to this set of 4 salad plates from World Market. For a sleek and modern version in black, I also love this black stoneware set from Walmart. For a higher-end option, I use these MacKenzie Childs checkered canape plates all the time.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep this mini tater tot meatloaf about 2-3 days ahead of time and store in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Storing Leftover Mini Tater Tot Meatloaf

Store any leftovers in a Tupperware container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 second intervals.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this fun little recipe! If you try it, please post on Instagram and tag me; I’d love to see! I hope you have a wonderful week and as always, thanks so much for being here!

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