Description
Classic Tater Tot Hotdish is a comforting casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this easy-to-make dish brings a nostalgic Midwestern flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter
- 2 pounds ground beef, any kind
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 16 ounces mixed frozen or canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, and/or carrots)
Other Ingredients
- 2 (14-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 24 ounces frozen Tater Tots
- Ketchup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the hotdish to perfection.
- 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, season with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper. Use a spatula to break up the meat and cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes.
- Layer the Hotdish: Using a slotted spoon, place half of the cooked beef into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing excess liquid to drain off. Top with half of the mixed vegetables, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Spread one can of cream of mushroom soup evenly over the vegetables.
- Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining cooked beef and vegetables on top, season again to taste, then pour and spread the remaining can of cream of mushroom soup evenly on top.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen Tater Tots in a single, tight layer over the final soup layer, aligning them in straight rows and columns to completely cover the surface.
- Bake the Hotdish: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the Tater Tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the hotdish to cool slightly before serving. Optionally serve with ketchup for added tang.
- Store Leftovers: Let leftovers come to room temperature before storing tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat uncovered in the microwave until hot or covered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables as preferred; canned work fine but may add more moisture.
- Drain excess fat from cooked beef to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Tater Tots should be arranged in a single, tight layer for crispiness.
- Allow the hotdish to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before eating.
- For a richer taste, use unsalted butter and adjust salt accordingly.
