Cheesy Meatloaf Tater Tot

This comfort food mashup of crispy tater tots and savory meatloaf topped with melty cheese is the ultimate family dinner solution. The combination creates a delicious casserole that brings together the best of two classic dishes in one easy-to-make meal that both kids and adults will love.

I created this recipe when trying to please my picky eaters who loved both meatloaf and tater tots but never wanted them separately. Now it's requested at least twice a month in our house and has become our go-to solution for family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides the hearty base look for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and moisture
• Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf together while keeping it tender
• Onion and garlic add aromatic flavor to the meat mixture
• Eggs act as a binder ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape
• Ketchup brings tangy sweetness and classic meatloaf flavor
• Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami notes
• Salt and pepper season the meatloaf perfectly
• Frozen tater tots create the crispy crown no need to thaw them first
• Cheddar cheese forms a gooey melty topping choose sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor

How To Make Cheesy Meatloaf Tater Tot

Prepare the oven

Heat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Mix the meatloaf base

Combine ground beef breadcrumbs chopped onion minced garlic eggs ketchup Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat which can make it tough. The mixture should be well combined but still loose.

Form the base layer

Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use your hands to create a uniform layer making sure to press it into the corners. The layer should be approximately 1 inch thick throughout.

Add the tater tot layer

Arrange frozen tater tots in neat rows covering the entire surface of the meat mixture. Place them close together but not overlapping for optimal crispiness. This creates the perfect ratio of crispy potato to meat in each serving.

Initial bake

Bake the dish uncovered for 45 minutes. During this time the meat will cook through while the tater tots begin to crisp up. The fat from the meat will rise and help flavor the potatoes.

Add cheese topping

Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the tater tots. Make sure to cover all areas for maximum cheesy goodness.

Final bake

Return to oven for 15 more minutes until the cheese is completely melted bubbling and just starting to brown at the edges. This creates that irresistible cheesy pull when serving.

Rest before serving

Let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into portions. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes serving much easier.

My family particularly loves the contrast between the crispy tater tots and the savory meatloaf beneath. My husband claims the corner pieces with extra crispy edges are the best part and there's always a friendly competition at the table for who gets them!

Make-Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking point cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats and add about 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time. For longer storage prepare the meat mixture freeze it separately then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling with tater tots and baking.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Try adding 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture for an earthy flavor. Swap the cheddar for pepper jack to add a spicy kick. For an Italian twist mix in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar. You can even try using half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor. The basic formula stays the same but these simple swaps create entirely new dishes.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a crisp salad to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool tangy contrast to the warm dish. For a complete comfort food experience serve with additional ketchup or barbecue sauce on the side. Leftovers make excellent next-day lunches and can even be repurposed into sandwiches by placing a slice between two pieces of bread.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this Cheesy Meatloaf Tater Tot dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a garden salad make excellent sides to balance the richness. Roasted carrots or corn also pair nicely with the flavors in this dish.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner option. You might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to maintain moisture since turkey has less fat than beef.

→ How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The meat should no longer be pink in the center, and the tater tots should be golden brown and crispy.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

→ What cheese alternatives work well in this dish?

Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work great as substitutes for cheddar. For extra flavor, try adding some crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of parmesan to the top during the last few minutes of baking.