Description
Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting American classic perfect for family dinners or easy weeknight meals. Combining savory meatballs, crispy tater tots, and a creamy cheese sauce, this baked casserole offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to delight all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound frozen or homemade fully cooked meatballs (thawed if frozen)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Meatballs and Cheese: Stir the fully cooked meatballs and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring the meatballs are evenly coated.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base for the casserole.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meatball mixture, covering the surface completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh visual appeal and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions to the meatball mixture.
- Ensure meatballs are fully cooked or thawed before mixing to avoid uneven cooking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few additional minutes to the cook time if baking from chilled.
