Few meals bring comfort to the table quite like a hearty casserole. The Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake combines two beloved classics—juicy, savory meatloaf and crispy golden tater tots—into one satisfying dish. Topped with melted cheese, this bake is indulgent yet practical, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. The best part is its simplicity: everything cooks together in one dish, so you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

For six servings, you’ll need:

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
½ cup milk
1 large egg
½ cup onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping:

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, depending on preference)
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or sliced green onions.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Form the Base Layer

Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates the foundation of your casserole.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this sauce evenly over the meatloaf layer. It caramelizes as it bakes, giving the dish tangy-sweet flavor.

Step 5: Add the Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meatloaf and sauce. No need to thaw—they will crisp in the oven.

Step 6: Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes. The meat should be cooked through (internal temperature at least 160°F / 71°C) and the tater tots golden brown.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Conservation and Storage

This dish keeps well, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooled portions tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. For smaller portions, use the microwave, though the tater tots may lose some crispiness.

Variations

Cheeseburger Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped pickles and a drizzle of mustard between the meatloaf and tater tots.
Tex-Mex Flavor: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese and mix 1 tablespoon taco seasoning into the meatloaf. Top with salsa instead of ketchup glaze.
BBQ Style: Swap the ketchup-mustard glaze for ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded zucchini into the meat mixture.
Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef, and substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Dinner: Pair with a simple side salad and roasted green beans.
Comfort Feast: Serve with creamy coleslaw and cornbread.
Party Dish: Cut into squares and serve as a hearty appetizer at potlucks.
Kid-Friendly Meal: Add a side of steamed broccoli or corn on the cob for balance.
Leftover Magic: Reheat and serve inside a toasted sandwich bun for a cheesy meatloaf sandwich.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Don’t Overmix: Mix meatloaf ingredients gently to avoid toughness.
Check Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
Even Layers: Spread each layer evenly for consistent cooking.
Crispy Tots: Bake uncovered and don’t overcrowd the tater tots to maintain crispiness.
Rest Before Cutting: Allow resting time so the layers hold together when sliced.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake is a dish that blends comfort and convenience in every bite. With its savory meatloaf base, tangy glaze, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese, it hits all the right notes. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and family-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings. By following the simple steps and tips above, you’ll have a casserole that delivers both flavor and texture every time. Once tried, it will surely earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.

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Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty casserole that combines juicy meatloaf, crispy golden tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese into one comforting, family-friendly dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)

½ cup milk

1 large egg

½ cup onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping:

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)

½ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Optional garnish: parsley or sliced green onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Make Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme. Mix gently until combined.

Form Base Layer: Press mixture evenly into the prepared dish.

Make Sauce: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.

Add Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

Bake: Place in oven uncovered. Bake 40–45 minutes until meat reaches 160°F (71°C) and tots are golden.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar evenly. Bake another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Rest & Serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions.