Upon preparing this dish, the smell of the house reminded my teenage daughters of the potlucks held at the church on lazy Sunday afternoons

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### 👩‍🍳 How to Make It

#### 1. **Prep and preheat**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

#### 2. **Mix the meatloaf base**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.

#### 3. **Shape and bake**
Press the meat mixture into the bottom of your casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for **20–25 minutes**, then drain off any excess grease.

#### 4. **Add the good stuff**
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the baked meatloaf layer. Arrange the tater tots on top in a single layer (neatly or casually—no judgment here).

#### 5. **Final bake**
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another **25–30 minutes**, until the tots are crispy and golden, and the cheese is bubbling.

Optional: In the last 5 minutes, drizzle a bit of ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top for an extra tangy kick.

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### 🌿 Serve It With…

– A fresh green salad
– Steamed green beans or corn on the cob
– Sweet iced tea (because… Sunday potluck vibes!)

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### 📝 Final Thoughts

This casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s a memory on a plate. When the rich smell of beef, onion, cheese, and crispy potatoes filled our home, it instantly brought us all back to simpler times. My daughters couldn’t stop smiling as they helped themselves to seconds, reminiscing about paper plates, folding chairs, and potluck desserts.

**Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole** is a dish you make when you want comfort. When you want to bring people together. When you want something that tastes like home.

Make it for your next family dinner, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite request. ❤️

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Want a freezer-friendly version or a way to make it in a slow cooker? I’ve got you covered—just let me know!