Description
Midwestern comfort reigns supreme with tater tot hotdish, a hearty casserole mixing ground beef, vegetables, and crispy potato toppers. Creamy layers and golden-brown tots promise a nostalgic journey through Minnesota’s cherished culinary tradition that satisfies from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Binding and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 ounces) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a robust 375F (190C), ensuring the temperature is consistent. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with finely chopped onions over medium heat. Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Enhance the meat’s flavor by generously seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Incorporate the frozen mixed vegetables into the seasoned beef mixture. Gently fold in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, creating a creamy, cohesive filling. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
- Distribute a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the beef mixture. Meticulously arrange the frozen tater tots in a uniform single layer, covering the entire surface of the dish.
- Place the assembled hotdish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Watch for the tater tots to transform into a crispy, golden-brown crust that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a luxurious, bubbling topping. Allow the hotdish to rest briefly before serving to let the flavors meld and settle.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the dish.
- Swap regular ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
- Customize vegetable mix by using fresh or seasonal vegetables instead of frozen for enhanced nutrition and flavor.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and monitoring salt seasoning during preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg