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Classic Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

Classic Tater Tot Hotdish is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and a golden crispy topping of frozen tater tots. This Midwestern favorite is easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds ground beef, any kind
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 16 ounces mixed frozen or canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, and/or carrots)

Seasonings and Soup

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 (14-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup

Topping

  • 24 ounces frozen Tater Tots

Optional

  • Ketchup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it is ready to bake the hotdish evenly and achieve a golden brown Tater Tot topping.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the ground beef and chopped onions to the pan. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper. Using a spatula, break up the meat and cook until there is no pink remaining, about 8 minutes.
  3. Layer the Hotdish: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, use a slotted spoon to transfer about half of the cooked beef, allowing excess liquid to drain and discard it. Spread half of the mixed vegetables over the beef, seasoning again with salt and pepper to taste. Pour one can of cream of mushroom soup evenly over the vegetables. Repeat this layering with the remaining beef, vegetables, and second can of soup. Finally, arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer in neat rows and columns over the top to cover the entire surface.
  4. Bake the Hotdish: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are well browned and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the hotdish to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, serve with ketchup for added flavor.
  6. Storage and Reheating: Let leftovers come to room temperature before covering tightly or transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat uncovered in the microwave until hot throughout or covered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.

Notes

  • Use frozen or canned mixed vegetables based on preference or availability.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste in each layer for balanced flavor.
  • To keep Tater Tots crispier, bake uncovered and serve immediately.
  • Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat using microwave or oven methods as preferred to maintain texture.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/classic-tater-tot-hotdish-recipe/