🧀🥔 Easy Made Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

tater tot meatloaf casserole ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 2,600 comfort food fans)
📸 800+ home-cooked shares | ❤️ Updated June 2025

When you combine two comfort food legends — juicy meatloaf and crispy tater tots — you get a casserole that’s pure magic. This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is hearty, cheesy, and so satisfying it’ll have everyone scraping their plates and begging for more. It’s the ultimate family dinner or potluck dish that disappears in seconds.

📌 Quick Glance – Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 🍳 Cook Time: 45 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 6–8
• 💥 Vibe: Cozy, indulgent, family-favorite

⬇️ Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
• Tips & Tasty Variations
• Reviews from Happy Eaters
• FAQ – Your Cozy Casserole Questions

🛒 What You’ll Need – Simple, Delicious Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

👩‍🍳 How to Make Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Make the Meatloaf Layer: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until combined. Press mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meatloaf layer.

Top with Tater Tots: Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Finish and Serve: Drizzle with extra ketchup if desired, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 5 minutes until melty. Garnish with parsley or green onions if you like. Serve hot and enjoy every gooey, crispy bite.

✨ Tips & Tasty Variations For The best tater tot meatloaf casserole

Add crumbled bacon on top of the tater tots before baking for extra flavor.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you love a little kick.
Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.
Use ground turkey for a slightly lighter version that’s just as comforting.

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole combines two classics — juicy meatloaf and crispy tater tots — in one easy, cheesy bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this dish is comforting, filling, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 670

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the meatloaf layer:

• 1½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the topping:

• 1 bag about 32 oz frozen tater tots
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup ketchup or barbecue sauce optional, for drizzling

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, 1 cup cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
3. Spread meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing into an even layer.
4. Arrange tater tots evenly on top of the meat mixture.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the meat layer is cooked through (internal temp 160°F) and tots are golden.
6. Sprinkle remaining 1½ cups cheese on top. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Optional: Drizzle with ketchup or barbecue sauce before serving.

Notes

Swap cheddar for a cheese blend for extra flavor.

Add chopped cooked bacon or jalapeños for a twist.

Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.

💬 Reviews from Happy Eaters Of tater tot meatloaf casserole

“My picky kids went back for thirds — this is a new staple in our house!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brooke F.

“The crispy tots with cheesy meatloaf underneath? Absolute genius. Everyone loved it!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Travis L.

“Perfect potluck dish. There were zero leftovers, and everyone asked for the recipe.” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dana W.

❓ FAQ – Your Cozy Casserole Questions

Looking for a sweet and cozy side to complement this cheesy casserole? Try this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole — its creamy, buttery sweetness balances the savory flavors perfectly.