Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
If you’re craving a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines savory meatloaf, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese, you’re in for a treat. This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is more than just dinner—it’s comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or hungry adults, this easy-to-make casserole will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two classic favorites: meatloaf and tater tots
- Takes just 15 minutes to prepare
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- Rich, cheesy, crispy, and flavorful in every layer
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra ketchup for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended, but don’t overmix to avoid tough meatloaf.
3. Create the Meatloaf Layer
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole. Make sure it’s spread out in a uniform thickness.
4. Add the Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the top of the meatloaf base. Don’t worry about defrosting them—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
5. Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
7. Let It Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set. Cut into squares and serve warm. Drizzle extra ketchup on top if desired, or pair with a simple green salad for balance.
Tips for Success
- Want more veggies? Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture.
- For extra flavor, mix a little BBQ sauce with the ketchup. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier twist.
- This dish is freezer-friendly—just let it cool completely and wrap tightly before freezing.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6