Tater Tot Hotdish

Tater Tot Hotdish is a quintessential comfort food hailing from the American Midwest, particularly Minnesota. This hearty casserole combines ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy soup, all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a beloved dish for family dinners and communal gatherings alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.​
• Family-Friendly: Its savory flavors and crispy topping make it a hit among both adults and children.​
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or protein substitutes.​Reddit
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed, making meal planning a breeze.​Deliciously Seasoned+2Southern Living+2How To Cook.Recipes+2

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef​Simply Recipes+14Southern Plate+14Emmymade+14
• Yellow onion​Emmymade+1Simply Recipes+1
• Garlic powder​
• Onion powder​
• Worcestershire sauce​Tornadough Alli+8Serious Eats+8Southern Plate+8
• Black pepper​How To Cook.Recipes
• Cream of mushroom soup​Andrew Zimmern+12Southern Plate+12NellieBellie+12
• Canned corn​Cookbooks and Coffee+3Emmymade+3Food.com+3
• Frozen sliced green beans​Deliciously Seasoned+10Emmymade+10Tornadough Alli+10
• Frozen tater tots​i am baker+11Emmymade+11Allrecipes+11

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).​Tornadough Alli+2Emmymade+2Reddit+2
2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink.​Emmymade
3. Season the Mixture: Turn off the heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.​NellieBellie+9Emmymade+9Tornadough Alli+9
4. Combine with Soups and Vegetables: Add cream of mushroom soup, canned corn, and frozen green beans to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined.​Food.com+5Emmymade+5Andrew Zimmern+5
5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange a layer of frozen tater tots on top.​Allrecipes
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.​
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes​Allrecipes+18Southern Living+18How To Cook.Recipes+18
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes​Cookbooks and Coffee+1Reddit+1
• Total Time: 45 minutes​Allrecipes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.​Southern Plate
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat substitutes and cream of celery soup instead of mushroom soup.​Southern Plate
• Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots before baking for an extra layer of flavor.​
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat.​

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.​Southern Plate
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.​
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.​

FAQs

What is Tater Tot Hotdish?

Tater Tot Hotdish is a traditional Midwestern casserole featuring ground beef, vegetables, and tater tots baked in a creamy sauce.​Serious Eats

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.​Reddit+3Southern Plate+3i am baker+3

Is it possible to use fresh vegetables instead of canned or frozen?

Absolutely. Fresh vegetables can be used; just ensure they are cooked to the desired tenderness before adding to the casserole.​

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, adding shredded cheese either mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top before baking is a popular variation.​

How do I prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy?

Ensure the casserole is baked uncovered, allowing moisture to escape and the tater tots to crisp up.​Emmymade

Can I use a different type of soup?

Certainly. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives to cream of mushroom.​Wikipedia+5How To Cook.Recipes+5Reddit+5

What can I serve alongside Tater Tot Hotdish?

A simple side salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness of the casserole.​Deliciously Seasoned

How can I make this dish healthier?

Opt for low-sodium soups, lean ground meat, and increase the proportion of vegetables to make it a bit healthier.​

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

While traditionally baked in the oven, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 4-6 hours, though the tater tots may not be as crispy.​

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure all canned soups and tater tots used are certified gluten-free.​

Conclusion

Tater Tot Hotdish is a comforting and versatile dish that brings warmth to any table. Its simple preparation and hearty ingredients make it a go-to meal for busy families and a staple at gatherings. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

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