Tater Tot Hotdish
A cozy Midwestern classic that brings everyone to the table. Savory ground beef and tender vegetables in a creamy mushroom sauce, all baked under a golden, crispy blanket of tater tots and melted cheese. Pure comfort food!
For 6 servings
9 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Reduce the heat to medium
- a.Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- 5
Gently fold in the drained green beans
- a.Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top of the beef mixture.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- 9
Let the hotdish rest for 10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows it to set up and makes it easier to serve.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy tater tots, arrange them with a little space between each one if possible.
- 2Do not thaw the tater tots before using. Placing them frozen on top helps prevent them from getting soggy.
- 3Ensure you drain the grease from the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy hotdish.
- 4Letting the hotdish rest before cutting is crucial. It helps the layers hold together for cleaner slices.
- 5For a tangier flavor, add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the beef mixture along with the soup.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Soup
Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate 1 cup of frozen corn, peas, or mixed vegetables into the beef mixture along with the green beans for extra nutrients and color.
Change the MeatChange the Meat
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even bulk breakfast sausage for a unique twist.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich Protein Source
The ground beef provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of B Vitamins
Beef is a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Ultimate Comfort Food
This hearty and warm dish provides a sense of comfort and nostalgia, which can contribute to emotional well-being and satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic comfort food and is quite rich in calories, fat, and sodium. It's best enjoyed in moderation. To make it slightly healthier, you can use leaner ground beef (93/7), low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and add more vegetables.