Tater Tot Hotdish

Short Description

Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic Midwest comfort food featuring a creamy, hearty filling of ground beef, vegetables, and savory sauce, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic – Warm, filling, and nostalgic.
• One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup with everything baked in one dish.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly – Crispy tater tots make this dish a hit with kids.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or ground turkey)
• Frozen tater tots
• Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or green beans)
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & black pepper
• Milk or beef broth (for thinning the sauce)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef – In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Mix the Filling – Stir in cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, frozen vegetables, and a splash of milk or broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Hotdish – Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then arrange tater tots in a single layer.
5. Bake – Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve & Enjoy – Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for some heat.
• Extra Creamy – Stir in a little sour cream or extra cheese into the filling.
• Bacon Upgrade – Add crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.
• Healthier Version – Use ground turkey and low-fat cheese.
• Tex-Mex Style – Swap cream of mushroom for enchilada sauce and use taco-seasoned beef.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Freezing – Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

What is a hotdish?

Hotdish is a classic Midwest casserole that combines meat, vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a starch topping, usually tater tots or noodles.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes! Just sauté them slightly before mixing with the filling.

Can I use different soups?

Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup are great alternatives.

Do I have to cook the tater tots first?

No, they crisp up perfectly while baking in the oven.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Use a meat substitute or extra veggies, and swap the cream soup for a plant-based version.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is the classic choice, but Colby Jack or Pepper Jack add great flavor.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I make it crispier?

Broil the top for the last 3-5 minutes to get extra crispy tater tots.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and makes the dish a bit lighter.

What should I serve with Tater Tot Hotdish?

It’s a full meal on its own, but a simple side salad or roasted vegetables pair well.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Hotdish is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Midwest tradition!

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