This Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food for the meat and potato lover. It is warm, delicious, satisfying, and so easy to prepare.
The weather turns cold pretty rapidly here in Minnesota. This week has been rainy which made it feel even colder. The days are shorter and by 5:30pm to 6:00pm, it is already dark. ‘Tis the season for casseroles and this Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole is a good place to start. Turning on the oven is a win-win situation – the food is cooked and the kitchen gets warm. Definitely the way to go.
Years ago I probably would not have appreciated this dish but having lived in this state for a decade, I now understand why the folks here love their meat, potatoes, and cheese. It is the stuff that keeps the body warm and the kitchen smelling good when you step in the front door from the cold. It truly is comfort food for the body and the soul.
The best thing about this dish is that it is easy to prepare. You can certainly make your own meatballs but I use both store bought meatballs and tater tots. The white sauce is cooked from scratch using the exact same recipe as the one found in this Green Bean Casserole. It is a sauce that works well in many dishes and I make it frequently. You can experiment and change out the dried herbs to give it a slightly different flavor. Thyme is my favorite and so I stayed with it.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb meatballs (450g)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups milk (480ml)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 1 lb frozen tater tots (450g)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (4 oz/113g)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place meatballs in a single layer in a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes. While meatballs are in the oven, cook the sauce.
- Melt butter over low heat in a medium sized saucepan. Sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes until soft. Add flour and stir constantly until mixture starts to brown, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in dried thyme. Gradually pour in milk whisking or stirring into a smooth bubbly sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off stove.
- Remove meatballs from oven. Pour sauce over meatballs. Arrange frozen tater tots on the top. Return casserole to the oven and continue to bake for 25 minutes.
- Again remove casserole from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese on the top. Return to the oven and continue to bake for another 5 minutes.
NUTRITION
Be sure to warn the kids that this Cheesy Meatball Tater Tot Casserole is piping hot straight out of the oven. You don’t want them to scald their mouths. Other than that, sit back, relax, enjoy your meal, and stay warm. 🙂
Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 😎
Cheese + potatoes? Yes, please! Love how easy this is to make!
Thanks Sarah! It is a no brainer. 🙂
The boys in my house would flip for this!
I know. My sons love it too. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
OMG! These look scrumptious!!!! I have huge weakness for potatoes !!!
Thanks Marvellina! Potatoes are a favorite at our house. 🙂
Hey Linda,
what a great idea! My kids will love this combination! I think I’ll add some vegetables too! This looks like a fantastic one pot recipe to make for my own blog! I’ll save it as inspiration so I can link back to yours if I’m allowed to?
Cheers!
Simon.
Adding some vegetables is a great idea, Simon. Yes, please give it a try and link back to me. Thank you! 🙂
This looks like pure heaven!! Cheese, tater tots and meatballs; OMG I need this!
Thanks Annie! 🙂
Oh my! This cheesy meaty goodness has me salivating right now! I’ve got to try this! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Felesha!
Linda, I have always wanted to created a tater-tot casserole… this looks great!! Now my head is churning with ideas… you have inspired me. 🙂
Thanks Ramona! This is a pretty versatile casserole where you can add veggies, etc to the mix.
Wow this looks absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to try to make it!
This is a brilliant comfort food!! Over the top yummy.
Thank you, Valentine! I’ve made this several times and we totally enjoyed it each time. Best of all it is so easy to prepare.
Tater Tots are one of my favourite guilty pleasures… but combining them with meatballs and a creamy white sauce, and then topping the whole thing with melty cheese? Oh my gosh. Talk about total comfort food heaven!
Thanks Isabelle! I seldom buy tater tots except for this dish. A little convenience is necessary especially on busy days. 😉
Holy moly! This looks crazy good!
Thanks Boastful Food!
That is truly an American meal. ? Looks delightful and a perfect fall feast!
Thank you, Julie! I have been cooking more American food lately and my youngest son is delighted that he gets to eat some “classics” at home. It’s been a while. Hope all is well with you. 🙂
I love casseroles and need to start making them more. They’re always so comforting, just like your super-fun recipe here! I love it! Who doesn’t love tater tots?!
Thanks Patricia! Casseroles are just the best in the colder months.
I love the idea of using meatballs, and this looks delicious!
Thanks Dee!
I love a good tater tot casserole, thanks for sharing this recipe, it’s inspiring me to make this I haven’t made a tater tot casserole in a while!
You are welcome and thank you for visiting, Sara. This casserole is simple yet delicious and satisfying. I hope you get to make it soon. 🙂
That was delicious! And easy to make! Thanks for sharing!