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
Scale
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.
