If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and irresistibly cheesy, look no further than this Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of crispy tater tots, juicy meatballs, and layers of melty cheddar and mozzarella cheese that come together in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish never fails to satisfy cravings and bring a smile to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that perfect golden crust that everyone loves.
- Frozen Tater Tots (28 oz): These provide the crispy, comforting base and top layers that give the casserole its signature crunch.
- Cooked Meatballs (1 lb, frozen or homemade, thawed): Juicy and flavorful, meatballs add heartiness and protein, making the dish satisfying and filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Sharp and melty, cheddar gives a robust cheesy flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Mild and gooey, mozzarella adds stretch and additional creaminess.
- Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Cheddar Soup (10.5 oz can): This creates a smooth, creamy base that keeps everything moist and luscious.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the texture of the soup mixture to coat the meatballs and tots perfectly.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Offers a subtle hint of aromatic pungency without overpowering.
- Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the casserole.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough to balance the richness with a gentle kick.
- Chopped Parsley (2 tbsp, optional): Freshens up the rich casserole with a pop of green and mild herbal notes.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is the perfect temperature to get those tater tots crispy and cheese bubbling. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and clean-up stays easy.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom or cheddar soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This mixture creates a luscious sauce that keeps all the components moist and flavorful while baking.
Step 3: Layer the Tater Tots and Meatballs
Spread half of the tater tots evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a crunchy base. Then arrange the thawed meatballs evenly on top. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the meatballs and tots, letting it seep through for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Top Layer
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the saucy meatballs. Finally, top the entire dish with the remaining tater tots to lock in all the cheesy goodness and create a golden, crispy crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tater tots are beautifully golden brown and the casserole is bubbly all around. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers settle and it’s easier to dish out.
How to Serve Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet effective garnishes like freshly chopped parsley can add a fresh color contrast and a light herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. If you want to spice things up, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha mayo also works wonders.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is quite filling and rich, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides is ideal. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans balances the heaviness, offering freshness and crunch alongside every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins for dinner parties or family gatherings. Add a handful of corn kernels or sautéed mushrooms into the layers to sneak in extra veggies. Or swap meatballs with turkey or veggie versions for a customized flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole keeps its flavors but the tater tots may soften slightly, which is still delicious on reheating.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but do not bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it from frozen adding some extra time to ensure everything heats through perfectly.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Microwave works too for single servings, though the tots won’t retain their crispiness as well.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this casserole?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs make the dish even more special, and you can season them to suit your preference. Just be sure they are cooked and thawed before assembling the casserole.
Is it okay to substitute the cream soup with a homemade sauce?
Yes, a homemade cheese sauce or mushroom gravy is a fantastic swap if you want to avoid canned soups or customize flavors. This will add freshness and let you control ingredients better.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Use your favorite plant-based or veggie meatballs instead of traditional meatballs. Also, choose a vegetarian cream soup or make a dairy-based sauce to keep it deliciously creamy.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Cheddar and mozzarella together create the perfect balance of sharp flavor and gooey meltiness. You can also experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
How can I make the tater tots crispier?
To get extra crispiness, bake the casserole uncovered as directed and avoid overcrowding the tots. Using a high-quality frozen brand and not covering the casserole during baking helps keep that crunchy texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s effortless to pull together, packed with comforting flavors, and sure to please everyone at the table. So go ahead, give it a go and enjoy a warm, cheesy hug on a plate that’s perfect for any day of the week!
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Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make American classic. Featuring layers of crispy tater tots, savory meatballs, and a rich creamy cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual family meal. It’s simple to prepare, combining frozen convenience with delicious homemade flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound frozen or homemade cooked meatballs, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the thawed meatballs evenly over the tater tots, then pour the soup mixture evenly over the meatballs and tots to coat.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the soup-coated meatballs and tater tots.
- Top with More Tater Tots: Add another layer of frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer for added crispiness and texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots have turned golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute the canned cream soup with a homemade cheese sauce for a fresher, customizable flavor.
- Feel free to use turkey or vegetarian meatballs as a variation to suit dietary preferences.
- Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed green beans for a complete, balanced meal.
- Make sure meatballs are fully thawed before assembling the casserole to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
