The ultimate comfort food! This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole combines a hearty meatloaf base with crispy tater tots and gooey cheese for a family-friendly dinner that everyone will love. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food – A delicious mash-up of meatloaf and cheesy tater tots.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store and reheat beautifully.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and cheesy twist on traditional meatloaf.
- Perfect for Gatherings – Feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Directions
Preheat and Prepare Sauce:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Onion soup mix
- Eggs
- 1/2 cup of the ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture
- Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the remaining ketchup and barbecue sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
Add Tater Tots and Cheese:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Calories: Estimated 510 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
- Turkey Version – Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Extra Crunch – Use crushed cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers.
- Loaded Tots – Top with green onions before serving.
- BBQ Swap – Try honey BBQ or spicy BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! Dice potatoes, toss them in oil, and bake for a crispy topping.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.
Can I make this in a smaller dish?
You can use an 8×8-inch dish, but you’ll need to halve the ingredients.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
Covering with foil for the first half of baking helps keep it moist.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Yes! Diced onions, bell peppers, or shredded carrots work well.
Can I make this without barbecue sauce?
Yes, simply increase the ketchup and add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers?
Yes! Use 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs as a substitute.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) when fully cooked.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Chicken, or even a plant-based alternative can be used.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the perfect fusion of comfort food classics—juicy meatloaf, crispy tater tots, and melty cheese. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight and enjoy the ultimate hearty and satisfying meal!
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Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! A hearty meatloaf base is topped with crispy tater tots and gooey melted cheese for a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar barbecue sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 oz Lipton onion soup mix
- 2 large eggs
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Sauce:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Onion soup mix
- Eggs
- 1/2 cup of the ketchup & barbecue sauce mixture
- Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
3. Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the remaining ketchup & barbecue sauce mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Add Tater Tots and Cheese:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots.
- Make it spicy! Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
