Few dishes combine comfort, flavor, and nostalgia like a cheesy meatloaf and tater tot bake. This recipe takes the hearty appeal of a classic meatloaf, layers it with gooey melted cheese, and tops it with golden, crispy tater tots. The result is a one-pan meal that is both family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. It is filling, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to adapt to different flavor preferences. Whether you are planning a weeknight dinner or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, this bake delivers the perfect balance of savory meat, creamy cheese, and crisp potatoes.
Ingredients
For consistent results, measure each ingredient carefully:
For the meatloaf base:
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1 large egg
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the cheesy layer:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
For the topping:
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Additional ½ cup shredded cheese (for topping before serving)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 3: Form the Base Layer
Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press gently with a spatula to form an even, compact layer.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Middle
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meatloaf base. This layer will melt during baking, creating a gooey center.
Step 5: Arrange the Tater Tots
Place tater tots in neat rows across the top of the cheese layer. You can line them up tightly or scatter them for a rustic look. For extra crispiness, toss the tots in olive oil before arranging.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the tater tots are golden brown.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let it melt completely.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Choose the right beef: An 80/20 beef blend offers the best balance of flavor and moisture.
Don’t overmix: Stir ingredients until just combined to avoid a tough meatloaf base.
Line up the tots: Neatly arranged tater tots crisp more evenly.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the beef is cooked through.
Rest before serving: Letting the bake sit allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions by wrapping slices in foil and storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the tater tots.
Variations
BBQ Style: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for smoky sweetness.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning to the beef and use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese. Top with salsa before serving.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in shredded carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers with the meatloaf for added nutrition.
Breakfast Bake: Replace the ground beef with breakfast sausage and serve with scrambled eggs.
Buffalo Chicken Version: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken and toss tater tots in buffalo sauce before baking.
Serving Suggestions
With Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted green beans, broccoli, or corn on the cob.
With Dips: Offer ranch dressing, ketchup, or spicy aioli on the side for dipping the tater tots.
As Leftovers: Slice and use in sandwiches or wraps for a hearty lunch.
Potluck Favorite: This dish is easy to transport and reheat, making it ideal for gatherings.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake is the definition of comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable. With its flavorful meatloaf base, gooey melted cheese layer, and crispy golden potato topping, it satisfies both kids and adults. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to share with guests. Plus, with multiple variations and easy storage options, it can be tailored to fit almost any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this dish whenever you want a meal that is comforting, filling, and undeniably delicious.
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Cheesy Meatloaf & Tater Tot Bake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy meatloaf and tater tot bake combines savory ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots in one hearty casserole. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish delivers classic comfort food flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf base:
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1 large egg
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the cheesy layer:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with mozzarella)
For the topping:
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for crispier texture)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping before serving)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix until just combined.
Press the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish to form a base layer.
Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheese evenly over the meatloaf base.
Arrange tater tots in rows across the cheese layer. Toss in olive oil before arranging for extra crispness if desired.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the meat reaches 160°F (71°C) and tater tots are golden brown.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep it tender.
Use a thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked.
Neatly lined tater tots crisp more evenly than scattered ones.
Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: cheesy meatloaf and tater tot bake, meatloaf casserole, tater tot casserole recipe