Description
This cheesy tater tot meatloaf casserole combines juicy seasoned beef, crispy golden tots, and gooey melted cheese into one irresistible, family-friendly dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Base:
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 large eggs
1 packet onion soup mix
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup diced yellow onion (optional)
For the Topping:
1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup bacon bits
2 tbsp ketchup (for topping)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, eggs, onion soup mix, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and diced onion.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared dish and spread 2 tbsp ketchup on top.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
5. Remove foil and arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meatloaf base.
6. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until tots are golden and crisp.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and bacon bits over the top. Bake another 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months — reheat covered, then uncover to crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: cheesy tater tot casserole, meatloaf casserole, comfort food, easy family dinner, weeknight meal
