Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole:

The Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction:

Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of meatloaf, cheesy goodness, and crispy tater tots? Look no further than Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole! This all-in-one casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, rich cheese, and crispy tater tots for a meal that’s both filling and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this casserole checks all the boxes.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the ultimate Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole from scratch, including tips on how to make it even more flavorful and customizable.

What Is Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole?

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a fun, comforting twist on traditional meatloaf. This casserole combines a seasoned ground beef meatloaf base with a layer of cheesy goodness and a crispy top made from frozen tater tots. The tater tots become golden and crispy as they bake, creating a satisfying contrast to the rich, savory meatloaf below. The combination of cheese, meatloaf, and tater tots makes for a filling, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping.

Ingredients

for Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

For the Meatloaf Base:

Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean or regular. Ground beef is the star of the dish, providing that savory, rich meatloaf flavor.
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup. Used to bind the meatloaf mixture together, giving it structure and texture.
Egg: 1 large. The egg helps hold the meatloaf together.
Milk: 1/4 cup. Adds moisture to the meatloaf mixture, keeping it tender.
Ketchup: 2 tablespoons. Adds a little sweetness and tang to the meatloaf base.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. A key ingredient that brings savory depth to the flavor.
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. A classic seasoning to boost flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. For seasoning the meatloaf mixture.

For the Casserole Topping:

Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded. The gooey, melty cheese adds richness and flavor to the casserole. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Frozen Tater Tots: 1 bag (about 32 oz). The crispy tater tots form the delicious topping for the casserole.
Ketchup: 1/4 cup. Used for glazing the meatloaf base and adding extra flavor.

Optional Toppings and Add-ins:

Chopped Green Onions: For garnish.
Bacon Bits: For extra crunch and flavor.
Chopped Parsley: For garnish and a fresh, herby note.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the meatloaf ingredients.
9×13 Casserole Dish: For baking the casserole.
Baking Sheet: If you choose to bake the tater tots separately before assembling the casserole.
Spatula or Spoon: For mixing the meatloaf and spreading it in the casserole dish.
Shredded Cheese: For sprinkling on top of the casserole.

How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake both the meatloaf and the crispy tater tot topping.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to ensure a tender texture.

Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and press it down evenly, shaping it into a uniform layer that covers the bottom of the dish. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

Step 3: Add the Cheese Layer

Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meatloaf layer. This will create a gooey, cheesy center once the casserole bakes.

Step 4: Add the Tater Tot Topping

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. You can cover the entire surface with tater tots or arrange them in a fun pattern. If you want to get extra crispy tater tots, feel free to bake them for a few minutes beforehand on a separate baking sheet, but they will cook perfectly in the casserole as well.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the meatloaf is cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Add the Ketchup Glaze

Remove the casserole from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. This adds a sweet, tangy glaze to the casserole and gives it that classic meatloaf finish.

Step 7: Add the Final Layer of Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, parsley, or bacon bits if desired.

Slice and serve the casserole warm with a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Use Lean Ground Beef: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but ground beef provides the best flavor and texture for meatloaf.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
Crispy Tater Tots: If you prefer extra crispy tater tots, bake them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. This step is optional but can help you achieve an even crispier texture.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and freeze it for later. Just be sure to allow extra baking time if reheating from frozen.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños to the meatloaf mixture or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Variations of Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Swap the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken and add buffalo sauce to the meat mixture. Top with ranch dressing and crispy tater tots for a spicy twist.
Veggie-Packed Casserole: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, carrots, or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
BBQ Meatloaf Casserole: Mix barbecue sauce into the meatloaf mixture and use shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese for a smoky flavor.Butter Biscuits
Loaded Tater Tot Casserole: Add crispy bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream on top for a loaded potato-style casserole.

Conclusion

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of meatloaf, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots into one delicious dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a fun weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Easy to make, customizable, and satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.