Comforting Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe: Family Favorite Warmth

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic midwestern tater tot hotdish that promises to satisfy even the most discerning hunger.

Packed with savory ground beef and creamy vegetables, this casserole becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Layers of crispy potato tots crown a rich, meaty base that melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a nostalgic dish that transports you to cozy family dinners.

Hearty and filling, this hotdish delivers pure warmth and satisfaction in every forkful.

Robust flavors and easy preparation make this recipe a go-to meal for busy weeknights or weekend comfort.

Prepare to dive into a culinary experience that celebrates the best of home-cooked goodness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Tater Tot Hotdish Starts with These Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that forms the savory foundation, choose lean cuts for less grease and more flavor.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates silky texture and earthy undertones, opt for low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Provides smooth consistency and helps blend ingredients, whole milk works best for richness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness, select sharp or extra-sharp for more pronounced taste.
• Tater Tots: Brings crispy golden exterior and potato comfort, frozen tots ensure consistent texture and convenience.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use sparingly to complement other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides more vibrant taste.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle savory notes, choose pure powder without additives.
• Onion Powder: Contributes background depth, look for finely ground versions.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Provides nutritional boost and colorful variety, select mixed vegetables with smaller cuts for better integration.

Tools for Layering and Baking Tater Tot Hotdish Smoothly

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the entire hotdish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure milk, cheese, and other components.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grated cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess beef grease quickly.

How to Assemble and Bake a Tater Tot Hotdish to Perfection

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil so nothing sticks.

• Brown the Protein

Toss ground beef into a skillet and cook with chopped onions until the meat looks deliciously golden. Drain away any extra grease and add some zippy seasonings to make it sing with flavor.

• Create the Base Layer

Mix in your favorite frozen veggies and creamy mushroom soup. Pour this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly like a cozy blanket.

• Build the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar cheese across the top. Then artfully arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer, creating a crunchy crown for your casserole.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble and crisp for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Final Cheese Flourish

Scatter the remaining cheese on top and pop it back in the oven for a quick 5-minute melt. Pull out a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece and serve it up hot!

Variations That Add Extra Crunch or Creaminess

• Tater Tot Hotdish
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish super satisfying.
• Assemble the entire hotdish up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready, pop directly into the preheated oven.
• Sneak extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture for more color and vitamins.
• For extra golden and crunchy tater tots, brush the frozen tots with a light layer of olive oil before arranging them on top of the casserole.
• Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Tater Tot Hotdish as a Comfort Classic

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty hotdish with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the meal.
• Comfort Food Companion: Serve alongside tangy pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to cut through the dish's creamy texture.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Top with a fried egg and fresh chives for a weekend breakfast version that transforms the classic hotdish into a brunch favorite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Bring this dish to gatherings and watch it disappear – it's guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults who love nostalgic, satisfying comfort food.

Store Hotdish Portions for Quick Meals All Week

• Chop vegetables and brown beef ahead of time to cut cooking time by 15 minutes on busy evenings.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The dish maintains best texture when stored separately from crispy tater tots.
• Assemble entire casserole before baking, wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy tater tot texture. Add extra cheese on top for bonus flavor boost.

Hearty Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Midwestern comfort shines in this hearty Tater Tot Hotdish, blending ground beef, vegetables, and crispy potato gems into a soul-warming casserole. Minnesotans cherish this classic one-pan meal that brings families together with its rich, satisfying flavors and nostalgic charm.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 (32 oz/907 g) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and delicately coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light cooking spray.
2. Meat Foundation: In a sizzling skillet over medium flame, brown ground beef alongside diced onions, thoroughly eliminating excess fat. Enhance with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion seasonings for a robust flavor profile.
3. Composition Assembly: Integrate frozen vegetables, creamy mushroom sauce, and dairy liquid into the seasoned meat mixture. Distribute the concoction uniformly across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, even canvas.
4. Crispy Topping Arrangement: Generously scatter initial cheese portion across the vegetable-meat base. Strategically place frozen tater tots in a precise, single-layer configuration atop the mixture.
5. Initial Baking Cycle: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to roast uncovered for 35-40 minutes until tater tots transform into golden, crisp sentinels and the underlying mixture bubbles with anticipation.
6. Final Flourish: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the dish, returning it to the oven for a swift 5-minute melting session. Extract the piping hot hotdish and serve immediately for maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

• Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a soggy, oily hotdish and ensure crispy tater tots.
• Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer to guarantee uniform crispiness and perfect golden-brown texture.
• Swap frozen vegetables based on preference or dietary needs while maintaining similar moisture content for consistent results.
• Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese for a healthier version without compromising traditional flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg