I still remember the first time I made this Cheesy Meatloaf Tater Tot bake; the aroma filled my kitchen with that nostalgic mix of seared onion, seasoned beef, and buttery potatoes. As it baked, the top turned golden and crisp while the cheese melted underneath, creating a gooey, irresistible layer. It’s become one of my most comforting go-to meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it gives you everything you crave in one warm, hearty dish: tender meatloaf, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s incredibly easy, wildly satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours of effort in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
This recipe is incredibly flexible; you can use a mix of beef and pork if you prefer a richer flavor or even swap the cheddar for Colby Jack. I’ve tried using panko instead of traditional breadcrumbs and it works beautifully. The ketchup topping can be replaced with barbecue sauce for a smokier, sweeter twist.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
I find that using a glass baking dish helps me monitor browning more easily, but any sturdy 9×13 pan will do the job perfectly. A silicone spatula helps mix the meatloaf without compacting it too much. If you have a cheese grater with multiple holes, grate your cheese fresh for better melt and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I prepare this dish, I start by mixing the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, and seasonings. I use my hands because it helps incorporate everything gently without overworking the meat. Once mixed, I press the mixture evenly into my baking dish, making sure the layer stays uniform to promote even cooking throughout.
Next, I sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the meatloaf base. This melts into a rich, creamy blanket as it bakes, almost acting like a glue between the meat and tater tots. I’ve noticed that finely grating the cheese helps it spread more evenly and melt more consistently.
Then comes my favorite part—arranging the tater tots. I line them up carefully, making sure they touch but don’t overlap. This ensures every tot gets perfectly crisp. If I rush this step and scatter them randomly, some areas become mushier, so trust me, placing them neatly really does make a noticeable difference.(See the next page below to continue…)