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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and delicately coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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