Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole – Ultimate Comfort in One Dish
Introduction
If you love meatloaf and you love tater tots, you’re going to be obsessed with this Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole. It’s a delicious mashup of two comfort food icons—savory meatloaf smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with crispy golden tater tots, gooey cheese, and bacon bits.
This dish is hearty, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest eaters at the table. Think weeknight dinner hero meets potluck legend.
Why I Love This Recipe
This casserole is my go-to when I want a meal that’s meaty, cheesy, and pure comfort. The ketchup and Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce add a tangy-sweet glaze, the Ritz crackers give the meatloaf a buttery richness, and the tater tots bring the crunch. It’s a one-pan wonder with layers of flavor and texture.
And bonus: it feeds a crowd with almost no effort.
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
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Mix the Sauce
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together ketchup and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, onion soup mix, eggs, and ½ cup of the BBQ-ketchup sauce. Mix well by hand until fully combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce on top of the meat layer.
4️⃣ Add the Toppings
Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese and bacon bits.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 40 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and cheese is bubbling and golden.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, beefy, crispy bite.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Crush the crackers finely for even texture in the meatloaf.
- Use lean beef to prevent excess grease.
- Customize toppings: Try pepper jack cheese, scallions, or a drizzle of ranch post-bake.
- Make ahead: Assemble it in the morning and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
Serve this with:
- A crisp green salad or coleslaw for balance
- Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
- And for a complete comfort feast, pair it with:
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Casserole can be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is everything comfort food should be—hearty, flavorful, family-friendly, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or just when you want something baked, cheesy, and totally indulgent.
If you try it, snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac—we’d love to see your delicious spin! 🥓🧀🥔
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