If you love comfort food, then this cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole is going to be your new go-to recipe. Truly, it’s the kind of food you wish you had growing up. Why? It鈥檚 the perfect combination of rich, savory meatloaf, crispy tater tots, and ooey-gooey cheese 鈥� all baked together in one gorgeous (and did we mention easy?!) dish. Think mac and cheese, but levelled up.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or whipping up something special for yourself, this tater tot casserole brings together everything you love about traditional comfort food. And guaranteed the kids will wolf it down and you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation. Who can say no to gooey cheese? Certainly not us!
Why You鈥檒l Love This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
Comfort food is all about warmth and nostalgia, and this tater tot meatloaf casserole delivers both in spades. The cheesy meatloaf tater tot casserole gives you all that satisfaction of classic meatloaf and just…makes it better. Tater tots are another classic comfort food (yes, even for adults!) and done right, they get that crispy, golden, slightly salty taste. Easier than peeling potatoes, for sure!
And of course, there’s the cheese. The meatloaf and tater tots casserole is tied together with a rich, melted cheese layer. What makes this dish even better is its versatility 鈥� you can easily adapt it with your whatever ingredients you have to hand (e.g. ground beef, chicken, sliced potatoes, leftover taco ingredients) and it’s a firm favorite for busy weeknights
Even better, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a fuss-free leftovers meal.
Ingredients You鈥檒l Need
For this dish, you鈥檒l need some basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand:
- Ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- Onion and garlic for flavor
- Eggs and breadcrumbs to bind the meatloaf mixture
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce
- Frozen tater tots
- Cheese (cheddar or a mix of your favorites)
- Optional: Add Ritz crackers for a crunchy topping
If you鈥檙e feeling like you want to mix it up a bit, try adding some extra ingredients to customize your casserole. For example, tossing in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can boost the flavor and nutrition. Chili sauce might be a good option if you like extra heat too.
How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
Want to make the perfect cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole? This recipe has been going insanely viral on our app, so make sure to sign up and save it. You can shop your ingredients, customize it as you need, or just keep coming back each week to cook it again and again. We wouldn’t blame you!
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![ketchup]()
1 cup ketchup -
![Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce]()
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray鈥檚 Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce -
![lean ground beef]()
2 lbs lean ground beef -
![crackers]()
30 Ritz crackers crushed -
![onion soup mix]()
2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
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![eggs]()
2 eggs large -
![frozen tater tots]()
24 oz frozen tater tots -
![shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend]()
2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend -
![real bacon bits]()
0.25 cup real bacon bits
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Recipe Variations
There are plenty of ways to make this cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole your own. Here are some ideas:
- Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole with Ritz Crackers: For a little extra crunch and flavor, try adding a Ritz cracker topping. The buttery crackers will give the casserole an even more satisfying texture.
- Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole Recipe: If you’re short on time, you can streamline the recipe by using pre-seasoned ground beef or pre-made meatloaf mix from the store. It鈥檒l cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole with Ground Beef: You can stick with classic ground beef for that hearty, rich meatloaf flavor, but ground turkey or chicken also make great lighter alternatives.
What to Serve with Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to make it a full feast, serve it with some classic comfort food sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad all complement this rich and hearty dish. You can also serve it alongside other cozy favorites like garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience.
Similar Comfort Food Favorites
If you love this cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole, here are some other comfort food recipes you might enjoy:
thechunkychef.com
Royale Eats
ninerecipes.com
gimmedelicious.com
Delish
Conclusion
This cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole is the perfect comfort food for those days when you need something filling, flavorful, and easy to make. With its golden tater tot topping, melty cheese layer, and savory meatloaf base, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Best of all, it鈥檚 highly adaptable 鈥� you can customize it with your favorite cheeses, seasonings, and even toppings like Ritz crackers to make it truly your own.
Ready to give it a try? Check out the full recipe on and get cooking!
FAQ’s
Absolutely! You can assemble the cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Yes! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack would work well in this casserole.
