Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole Recipe

Crispy tater tots, savory meatloaf, and melted cheese come together in this crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Contents

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 75 minutes | Total Time: 95 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Base:

For the Topping:

Prep the Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup ketchup and 1 cup barbecue sauce. Set aside.
Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture. Use your hands to mix just until combined (avoid overmixing).
Assemble the Casserole:
- Press the meat mixture evenly into the greased dish. Spread the remaining sauce over the meat.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle cheese and bacon bits over the tots.
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 40 more minutes, or until the meat is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
Serve:
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed veggies.

Calories: 540 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 24g

Substitutions: Use ground turkey instead of beef, or swap BBQ sauce for a spicy chipotle version.
Crispy Tots: For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes after baking.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dish (without baking) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.

This hearty casserole is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike—comfort food at its cheesiest!