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:
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1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
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1 large egg
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½ cup milk
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the cheesy layer:
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with mozzarella)
For the topping:
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1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
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2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for crispier texture)
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping before serving)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix until just combined.
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Press the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish to form a base layer.
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Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheese evenly over the meatloaf base.
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Arrange tater tots in rows across the cheese layer. Toss in olive oil before arranging for extra crispness if desired.
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the meat reaches 160°F (71°C) and tater tots are golden brown.
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Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
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Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
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Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep it tender.
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Use a thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked.
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Neatly lined tater tots crisp more evenly than scattered ones.
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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