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! 😎
Sarah says
October 29, 2015 at 4:13 pmCheese + potatoes? Yes, please! Love how easy this is to make!
Linda says
October 29, 2015 at 4:15 pmThanks Sarah! It is a no brainer. 🙂
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
October 29, 2015 at 6:54 pmThe boys in my house would flip for this!
Linda says
October 29, 2015 at 7:23 pmI know. My sons love it too. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Marvellina @ What To Cook Today says
October 29, 2015 at 9:20 pmOMG! These look scrumptious!!!! I have huge weakness for potatoes !!!
Linda says
October 30, 2015 at 9:31 amThanks Marvellina! Potatoes are a favorite at our house. 🙂
Simon (BBQ Bastard) says
October 30, 2015 at 3:30 amHey 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.
Linda says
October 30, 2015 at 9:10 amAdding some vegetables is a great idea, Simon. Yes, please give it a try and link back to me. Thank you! 🙂
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
October 30, 2015 at 5:21 amThis looks like pure heaven!! Cheese, tater tots and meatballs; OMG I need this!
Linda says
October 30, 2015 at 9:10 amThanks Annie! 🙂
Felesha says
October 30, 2015 at 6:49 amOh my! This cheesy meaty goodness has me salivating right now! I’ve got to try this! Thanks for sharing!
Linda says
October 30, 2015 at 9:07 amThanks Felesha!
Ramona W says
October 30, 2015 at 10:21 amLinda, I have always wanted to created a tater-tot casserole… this looks great!! Now my head is churning with ideas… you have inspired me. 🙂
Linda says
November 1, 2015 at 9:01 pmThanks Ramona! This is a pretty versatile casserole where you can add veggies, etc to the mix.
Katie says
October 30, 2015 at 1:47 pmWow this looks absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to try to make it!
Valentina says
October 31, 2015 at 12:12 pmThis is a brilliant comfort food!! Over the top yummy.
Linda says
November 1, 2015 at 9:03 pmThank you, Valentine! I’ve made this several times and we totally enjoyed it each time. Best of all it is so easy to prepare.
Isabelle @ Crumb says
October 31, 2015 at 8:46 pmTater 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!
Linda says
November 1, 2015 at 9:09 pmThanks Isabelle! I seldom buy tater tots except for this dish. A little convenience is necessary especially on busy days. 😉
Boastful Food says
November 1, 2015 at 6:39 pmHoly moly! This looks crazy good!
Linda says
November 1, 2015 at 9:11 pmThanks Boastful Food!
Julie m. says
November 1, 2015 at 8:43 pmThat is truly an American meal. ? Looks delightful and a perfect fall feast!
Linda says
November 1, 2015 at 9:13 pmThank 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. 🙂
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
November 2, 2015 at 11:10 amI 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?!
Linda says
November 3, 2015 at 8:27 amThanks Patricia! Casseroles are just the best in the colder months.
Dee says
November 4, 2015 at 8:50 amI love the idea of using meatballs, and this looks delicious!
Linda says
November 8, 2015 at 9:24 pmThanks Dee!
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets says
November 7, 2015 at 3:55 pmI 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!
Linda says
November 8, 2015 at 9:25 pmYou are welcome and thank you for visiting, Sara. This casserole is simple yet delicious and satisfying. I hope you get to make it soon. 🙂
Karen says
February 22, 2017 at 4:41 pmThat was delicious! And easy to make! Thanks for sharing!