Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of savory ground beef blend perfectly with crispy potato tots and melted cheese.

Each bite delivers a hearty combination of classic flavors that warm the soul.

The dish combines simple ingredients in an unexpected and delightful way.

Home cooks love how easily this casserole comes together with minimal prep time.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the golden, bubbling topping that crowns this delectable meal.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this crowd-pleasing dinner that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Directions for Baking Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Lightly grease the dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meat Base

• Ground beef
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Onion soup mix
• Eggs
• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce

Use your hands or a wooden spoon to blend everything thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 3: Create the Meat Layer

Transfer the meat mixture into the greased baking dish.

Press and spread the mixture evenly across the bottom, creating a smooth, compact layer.

Step 4: Add the Tater Tot Topping

Carefully arrange tater tots in a single, uniform layer across the entire surface of the meat mixture.

Ensure they are placed close together for complete coverage.

Step 5: First Baking Session

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

The meat will cook through and become firm during this time.

Step 6: Cheese and Bacon Finale

• Shredded cheese
• Bacon bits

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt completely and become wonderfully bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

This helps the layers set and makes for easier portioning.

Tips for Crispy Tater Tot Meatloaf Every Single Time

• Use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as alternatives if Ritz crackers aren't available, maintaining the same binding texture.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce overall greasiness while keeping the dish flavorful.
• Arrange tater tots in a single, non-overlapping layer to ensure crispy edges and even cooking.
• Add minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the meat mixture for extra taste complexity.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking when ready to serve.

Meatloaf Casserole Variations with Tater Tot Toppings

• Vegetarian Deconstructed Casserole: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat, use vegetable broth instead of eggs, and swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets, use almond flour instead of crackers, and keep the cheese and bacon for extra flavor.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Meatloaf: Add diced jalapeños, use taco seasoning instead of onion soup mix, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Lean Protein Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra herbs like parsley or thyme for enhanced taste.

Slicing and Serving Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole

• Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add some fresh crunch to your meal.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to introduce a nutritious side that complements the cheesy, savory main dish.
• Game Day Feast: Break out this crowd-pleasing casserole during sports watching parties, cutting into generous squares and offering alongside some cool ranch or spicy dipping sauces for extra excitement.
• Weekend Potluck Star: Transport this dish to gatherings in a covered casserole dish, knowing it travels well and will be the talk of the potluck with its irresistible combination of meat, cheese, and crispy tater tots.

Meatloaf Casserole Storage Advice for Busy Weeknights

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up tater tots.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and mixed thoroughly with other ingredients.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in ingredients like ketchup and barbecue sauce, which help keep the meat moist. Also, avoid overcooking and let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juiciness.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love tater tots and cheesy dishes, making this casserole a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. The combination of meat, cheese, and crispy tots is sure to be a hit.

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole – Family Favorite Combo

• Whip Up Comfort Food: This mouthwatering casserole brings together classic comfort ingredients like ground beef, tater tots, and cheese in one delicious dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, this recipe transforms ordinary ground beef into an exciting meal that requires little culinary expertise and keeps cleanup minimal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy tater tot topping, savory meat base, and melted cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses, add extra seasonings, or include vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Layers

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty foundation and rich flavor for the meatloaf casserole.
• Eggs: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds moisture.

• Ritz Crackers, Onion Soup Mix: Creates a savory and crispy texture with deep seasoning.
• Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and complex flavor to the meat mixture.

• Tater Tots: Provides a crispy potato layer that adds crunch and comfort to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a gooey, delicious topping.
• Bacon Bits: Offers a smoky and salty finish to the dish.

Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty comfort meets cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole in this irresistible dinner classic. Crispy potato tots crown a savory ground beef base, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup real bacon bits
• 2 ounces (56 grams) Lipton onion soup mix

Base and Binding:

• 30 Ritz crackers, crushed

Sauce and Cheese:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Topping:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef with crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, ketchup, and barbecue sauce until well incorporated.
3. Evenly spread the meat mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
4. Carefully arrange tater tots in a precise single layer, covering the entire meat surface.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and develop a rich flavor.
6. After initial baking, carefully remove the dish and generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the tater tot layer.
7. Distribute bacon bits evenly over the cheese to add extra crunch and smoky flavor.
8. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the layers to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Switch ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Crush gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Use low-sodium onion soup mix and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on salt and calories without compromising flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top for added freshness and a pop of color that elevates the dish’s visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 635 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg