Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic Midwestern comfort food that combines crispy tater tots, creamy ground beef and vegetable filling, and melted cheese for the ultimate cozy meal. This casserole is easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and great for potlucks or weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, hearty dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples for a quick meal.
- Classic Comfort Food – A hearty, satisfying casserole with crispy tater tots.
- Perfect for Busy Nights – Minimal prep and hands-off baking.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love this dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or green beans)
- Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- Milk
- Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt & black pepper
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Frozen tater tots
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef Mixture – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onions until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
- Mix the Filling – Stir in frozen vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Layer the Tater Tots – Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake – Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Hotdish – Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Bacon Lovers – Stir in crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Creamier Version – Mix in ½ cup of sour cream for a richer texture.
- Chicken Tater Tot Casserole – Use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
- Extra Crunchy – Broil for the last 5 minutes for extra crispy tater tots.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Freezing – Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to cook the ground beef first?
Yes, browning the beef removes excess grease and adds flavor.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté them slightly before adding to the mixture.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby Jack also work well.
Can I make this without cream soup?
Yes! Replace with a homemade sauce using butter, flour, milk, and broth.
Can I add extra seasonings?
Definitely! Try garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for more flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter option.
What’s the best way to get crispy tater tots?
Bake uncovered and broil for a few minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
What can I serve with tater tot hotdish?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies make great sides.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Hotdish is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or using up leftovers, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a classic, hearty meal with crispy tater tots and creamy goodness!
Print
Tater Tot Hotdish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Midwestern
Description
This Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic Midwestern comfort food! Made with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots, this easy casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.- Cook the beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix the filling – Stir in frozen vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cheese & tots – Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the mixture. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden.
- Top & serve – Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until melted. Serve warm!
Notes
- Meat Variations: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different twist.
- Soup Swap: Substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- Cheese Options: Try Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Swiss for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day!