Tater Tot Hotdish

Tater Tot Hotdish is a beloved Midwestern casserole known for its cozy, satisfying layers of flavor and texture. With seasoned ground meat, a creamy vegetable mix, and golden, crispy tater tots on top, it’s the ultimate one-pan comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: A complete meal in one dish with protein, veggies, and a crispy potato topping.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can mix in different vegetables, change the soup base, or switch up the protein.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy tater tots on top make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Ingredients

this Recipe

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

• ground beef or ground turkey
• chopped onion
• garlic powder
• salt
• black pepper
• condensed cream of mushroom soup
• frozen mixed vegetables (such as corn, peas, and green beans)
• shredded cheddar cheese
• frozen tater tots

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with chopped onions until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and frozen vegetables. Mix well to combine.
5. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mixture.
7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.
8. Bake for 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbly.
9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Different Protein: Use ground chicken, sausage, or even leftover roast beef.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
• Different Soups: Swap out the cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or celery.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed potato chips or fried onions over the tater tots before baking.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix cheese into the meat mixture and on top for a cheesier version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Assemble but do not bake; cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

What is the difference between a hotdish and a casserole?

Hotdish is a regional term (mostly in the Midwest) for a type of casserole that typically includes a starch, meat, vegetables, and a canned soup.

Can I make this hotdish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?

No. Cream of chicken or cream of celery work well too, or you can make your own homemade sauce.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Add fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to bulk up the veggie content.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, try adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Is it necessary to thaw the tater tots first?

No, they can go on top frozen. They’ll bake up perfectly crisp.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, just lightly steam or sauté them first so they cook through during baking.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix for different flavors.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The tater tots should be golden brown and the edges should be bubbling.

Can I make it in a smaller dish?

Yes, just halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish for fewer servings.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Hotdish is a timeless classic that delivers both comfort and convenience in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a family favorite you can rely on, this dish checks all the boxes: easy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for any night of the week, and even better as leftovers.

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