Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole:

A Comforting, Delicious One-Pan Meal Your Family Will Love

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dinner, this Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food you need! Combining the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf with crispy tater tots and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you need to feed a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: The combination of meatloaf and crispy tater tots makes this casserole the ultimate comfort food.
Easy to Make: This simple recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: With flavors everyone loves—meatloaf, cheese, and tater tots—this casserole will satisfy picky eaters.
One-Pan Meal: Save time and cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that’s baked in a single dish.
Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese on top creates a delicious golden crust that takes this casserole to the next level.

Ingredients

for Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

For the Meatloaf Layer:

1 ½ pounds ground beef – Use lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds flavor and sweetness to the meatloaf base.
1 egg – Binds the meatloaf mixture together and adds moisture.
1 cup breadcrumbs – Helps to hold the meatloaf together while giving it a tender texture.
½ cup milk – Keeps the meatloaf moist and juicy.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory depth to the meatloaf mixture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a subtle garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a nice herby touch to the meatloaf.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper – For a mild kick of flavor.

For the Tater Tot Layer:

1 package frozen tater tots (about 32 oz) – The crispy topping for this casserole that everyone loves.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the casserole for a melty, cheesy layer.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds extra creaminess and stretch to the top of the casserole.

For the Meatloaf Sauce:

½ cup ketchup – For a classic meatloaf topping that adds sweetness and tang.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Sweetens the ketchup sauce, balancing out the savory meatloaf.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a touch of tangy flavor to the sauce.

How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds ground beef, 1 small chopped onion, 1 egg, 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup milk, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined—be sure not to overwork the meat mixture, or it may become tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatloaf Base

Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press it into an even layer. This will form the base of your casserole, which will cook into a delicious, tender meatloaf once baked.

Step 3: Prepare the Meatloaf Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Spread this sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf mixture in the baking dish. This will give your casserole a deliciously sweet and tangy topping that enhances the meatloaf flavor.

Step 4: Add the Tater Tots

Now, take your frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer on top of the meatloaf. The tater tots will cook to a crispy golden-brown finish as they bake with the meatloaf.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Top the tater tots with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella will melt together to create a deliciously cheesy and gooey layer.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out hearty portions of this cheesy, savory casserole and serve it alongside your favorite side dishes!

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Use lean ground beef for a less greasy casserole. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture like chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make it spicier: If you love a little heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or the sauce.
Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or in the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with these sides:

Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad will add some lightness to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for mopping up any extra meatloaf sauce and melted cheese.
Mashed potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing with this cheesy casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

Can I use homemade meatloaf instead of the meatloaf mixture in the recipe?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade meatloaf recipe, feel free to substitute it for the meatloaf mixture in this casserole.

Can I freeze Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until heated through. Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits

Why You Should Make This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf with the crispy goodness of tater tots and melty cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of traditional meatloaf or you just love cheesy casseroles, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite!