Get ready to transform your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food mashup that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine the crispy perfection of tater tots meeting the hearty goodness of homemade meatballs, all smothered in rich marinara and melted mozzarella - this Tater Tot Meatball Casserole is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or a dish that'll make you the hero of your next potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a fork until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 16-20 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Place the raw meatballs in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered and coated with sauce.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meatballs and sauce, covering the entire surface of the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots, providing a golden, cheesy topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatballs are completely cooked through and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- • For extra-juicy meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture - just combine ingredients until they're just incorporated. • Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatball sizes for even cooking. • For extra crispy tater tots, place them in a single layer without overcrowding the dish. • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld. • For a flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped onions to your meatball mixture. • If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking. • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 403kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 88mg
