When comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like this Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole. It’s everything you love about a traditional meatloaf — juicy, flavorful ground beef and rich tomato glaze — but reimagined with layers of creamy cheese and golden, crispy tater tots on top. The result is a family-style casserole that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent. I first made this dish for a cozy weekend dinner, and it instantly became a household favorite. The tater tots add that irresistible crunch while the melted cheese ties everything together. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd — a modern twist on two timeless classics that just works.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a one-pan wonder that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. It combines the satisfying flavors of a homemade meatloaf with the crispy joy of tater tots, layered with melty cheese for extra indulgence. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and simple to prepare — no complicated steps, just pure, old-fashioned comfort. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
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Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole – A Hearty Classic with a Crispy Twist
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one comfort meal that combines juicy seasoned meatloaf, creamy cheese layers, and crispy golden tater tots on top. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the meatloaf base.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf layer.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce layer.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the tater tots are crispy and golden.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or pork for variation.
- Add a layer of cooked vegetables like corn or green beans for extra flavor.
- Try cream of cheddar soup instead of mushroom for extra cheesiness.
- Leftovers reheat perfectly in the oven or air fryer for crispy tater tots again.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – The hearty base of the casserole. Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest texture. You can also substitute part of it with ground pork or turkey.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the meatloaf mixture while keeping it tender. Plain or Italian-style both work well.
Eggs – Essential for holding the meatloaf together.
Onion – Finely chopped onion adds flavor and moisture to the beef mixture.
Garlic – Adds depth and savory aroma to the meatloaf base.
Ketchup – Provides that classic tangy sweetness and forms part of the glaze.
Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the beefy flavor with a hint of umami.
Salt and black pepper – Basic seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Shredded cheddar cheese – The cheesy layer that melts between the meat and tater tots. I’ve also tried a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
Tater tots – Crispy, golden perfection on top of the casserole. They bake beautifully and add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Milk – Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender as it bakes.
Parsley – Freshly chopped for garnish and a pop of color.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined — don’t overmix, or the meatloaf can become dense.
Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to form a flat layer. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top for that signature meatloaf glaze. Bake for 20 minutes to set the base.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the partially cooked meatloaf. Arrange the tater tots in neat rows on top of the cheese layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with a side of green beans or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and takes about 55 minutes total — 15 minutes for prep and 40 minutes of baking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and the tater tots are crispy again. You can also freeze the baked casserole (cooled completely) for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen, covered with foil, until hot.
Variations and Customizations
BBQ Tater Tot Casserole
Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
Bacon Lover’s Version
Add crumbled cooked bacon between the cheese and tater tot layers for extra richness.
Spicy Kick
Mix chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture for added heat.
Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans to the beef mixture, then top with pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Gravy Version
Serve the casserole with a side of creamy mushroom gravy for a comforting, old-fashioned touch.
Cheesy Double Layer
Add an extra layer of cheese between the meat and tots for even more gooey goodness.
Turkey Swap
Use ground turkey for a lighter version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Veggie Mix-In
Add finely chopped carrots, celery, or spinach to sneak in some vegetables.
Ranch Twist
Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the meat mixture for a zesty flavor boost.
Breakfast Edition
Swap beef for sausage and serve with scrambled eggs for a hearty morning casserole.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, no need to thaw — they’ll crisp up perfectly in the oven.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but you can use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 2 months, baked or unbaked.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and milk substitutes.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
Be sure not to overmix the meat and don’t skip the milk — it keeps the texture moist.
Can I use ground pork or turkey?
Yes, both work great, though you may need to adjust seasoning slightly.
What sides go well with it?
It pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or even coleslaw.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf base?
Yes, grated carrots or finely chopped bell peppers blend in beautifully.
How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?
Broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking to add extra crunch.
Conclusion
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the definition of hearty home cooking — comforting, satisfying, and deliciously nostalgic. With layers of savory beef, melted cheese, and perfectly crisp tater tots, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for an easy, filling weeknight meal, this casserole delivers all the flavors of comfort in one golden, cheesy bite.
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