Homey Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe: Family’s Cozy Comfort Food

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic midwestern tater tot hotdish that promises to satisfy every craving.

Minnesota kitchens have perfected this warm and filling meal packed with savory flavors.

Ground beef blends seamlessly with crispy potato tots and creamy vegetables in a one-pan wonder.

The casserole combines simple ingredients into something truly magical and nostalgic.

Layers of rich, hearty goodness meld together to create a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and comfort.

Serve this delightful hotdish and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes In Tater Tot Hotdish

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty base protein that adds robust flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, caramelized undertone and aromatic depth to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a silky, luxurious binding sauce with earthy undertones.
• Milk: Helps smooth out the soup and adds a subtle richness to the filling.

• Frozen Vegetables: Convenient mix of nutritious veggies that add color, texture, and balanced nutrition.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides a golden, tangy layer of deliciousness.
• Tater Tots: Crispy potato nuggets that create an irresistible, crunchy crown to the casserole.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances all ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle heat.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a concentrated, aromatic punch of savory flavor.
• Onion Powder: Reinforces the onion's depth with a concentrated, sweet undertone.

Tools To Assemble Tater Tot Hotdish

• Skillet: Large pan for browning ground beef and onions, essential for developing flavors.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for layering ingredients and creating a hearty casserole.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for milk and soup ensure balanced flavors.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helpful for stirring beef and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese Grater (optional): For freshly grated cheese, though pre-shredded works great too.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Steps To Bake Tater Tot Hotdish

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef and diced onions into a sizzling skillet. Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color and loses its pink hue. Shake in some salt, pepper, and spices to make it extra tasty.

• Create the Base

Stir in colorful mixed vegetables and creamy mushroom soup. The mixture should look hearty and inviting. Spread this delicious blend evenly across your greased baking dish.

• Layer the Crunch

Shower the surface with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Then, arrange frozen tater tots across the top like little golden soldiers, creating a crispy landscape.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it cook uncovered. In about 35-40 minutes, the tots will transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece.

• Final Cheesy Touch

Sprinkle another handful of cheese over the top and return to the oven for a quick 5-minute melt. Pull out a bubbling, irresistible comfort dish that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Flavor Boosts For Tater Tot Hotdish

• Make It Healthier: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content. Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for additional nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Ensure tater tots are also gluten-free.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give the hotdish a zesty kick. Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans. Use vegetable soup instead of cream of mushroom for a meat-free version.
• Meal Prep Magic: Assemble the hotdish ahead of time and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing in advance for gatherings.

How To Serve Tater Tot Hotdish At The Table

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather the whole family around for a hearty meal that brings everyone together, perfect for chilly evenings or casual weekend dinners.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this hotdish during sports watching parties or potlucks. Its crowd-friendly format makes it a total hit with friends and fellow fans.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Pair with a crisp side salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, cheesy flavors. A slice of garlic bread can complement the dish's savory profile and add extra crunch.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining hotdish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the tater tots' crispy texture and keep the filling warm and delicious.

Keep Tater Tot Hotdish Fresh For Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover hotdish in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with damp paper towel to prevent tater tots from becoming soggy. For crispy top, briefly use oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap completely cooled hotdish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freezes wonderfully up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Portion Control Method: Divide hotdish into single-serving containers before refrigerating. Makes grab-and-go lunches super easy and helps manage meal prep throughout the week. Ideal for busy families and individual meal planning.

Hearty Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Midwestern comfort meets pure delight in this classic tater tot hotdish, blending hearty ground beef, vegetables, and crispy potato gems. Cheese melts perfectly over a savory filling, creating a nostalgic meal you’ll crave after one satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté and Season: Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat. Elevate the meat’s taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Compose the Base Layer: Blend frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk into the seasoned meat mixture. Spread this harmonious combination evenly across the prepared baking dish, establishing a cohesive base.
4. Layer and Arrange: Distribute the first layer of cheddar cheese over the meat and vegetable mixture. Meticulously arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform, single layer, covering the cheesy surface completely.
5. Bake and Transform: Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, baking uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Watch as the tater tots metamorphose into a crisp, golden-brown masterpiece.
6. Finalize and Melt: Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese across the surface. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a luscious, glossy topping.
7. Rest and Serve: Retrieve the dish from the oven and let it rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld and reach an ideal serving temperature before presenting this comforting hotdish.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy hotdish base.
• Vegetable Variation: Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh or seasonal alternatives like roasted Brussels sprouts or diced bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Cheese Customization: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda to elevate the dish’s taste profile and personalize the recipe.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the hotdish in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and creating a convenient meal-prep option for busy households.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 721 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg