There’s just something about a tater tot hotdish that wraps me in a warm, comforting hug. This casserole is a staple in my home, and it’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the dinner table. I remember cozy nights with my family, the aroma wafting through the house, and the crunch of those golden tater tots on top. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and hearty—ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Trust me, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. It’s no wonder it’s a beloved family favorite!
Ingredients for Tater Tot Hotdish
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this cozy dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: I love using 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- 1 small onion, diced: This adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: A must for that creamy base—trust me, it’s the secret to comfort!
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: You can use peas, carrots, and corn, or whatever you have on hand.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I usually go for cheddar, but feel free to mix it up with your favorites!
- 1 package tater tots: The star of the show—crispy and golden on top!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch of each to enhance all those delicious flavors.
How to Prepare Tater Tot Hotdish
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this tater tot hotdish! I promise it’s easier than you think and absolutely worth it for that comforting goodness.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your hotdish bakes evenly, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook it until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from turning greasy.
Step 3: Mix in Soup and Vegetables
Now, stir in that creamy can of mushroom soup and your frozen mixed vegetables. This part is fun! Just mix everything together until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste—you want those flavors to shine through, so give it a good stir!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish. Then, it’s time to add the star of the show: the tater tots! Place them in a single layer on top, covering the mixture completely. This will give you that perfect crispy topping!
Step 5: Baking Process
Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to add the cheese when the tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle your shredded cheese over the top and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This tater tot hotdish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish—who can resist crispy tater tots?
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything bakes in one dish. Less mess means more time to enjoy!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins, making it versatile to suit any palate.
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra warmth in your life.
Tips for Success
To make sure your tater tot hotdish turns out perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the browning step—taking the time to caramelize the onions and beef adds so much flavor. Also, be generous with the seasoning; a little extra salt and pepper can elevate the dish. If you’re using frozen veggies, there’s no need to thaw them first—just toss them in straight from the freezer. And remember, keep an eye on the tater tots while baking; you want them golden and crispy, not burnt! Lastly, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving—it helps everything set up nicely.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, this tater tot hotdish is not only delicious but also reasonably balanced! Each serving, about 1 cup, packs in approximately 350 calories. You’ll also get around 20g of fat, with 10g of that being saturated fat. It’s got a decent protein punch at 15g, making it quite filling. In terms of carbs, you’re looking at about 30g, which includes 2g of fiber. Plus, it has a bit of sodium at 800mg, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. Overall, it’s a satisfying dish that won’t derail your diet!
Frequently Asked Questions
I often get questions about this tater tot hotdish, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones!
Can I use other proteins? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a lighter option.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No worries! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
How do I store leftovers? Just keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to dig back in!
Can I make this hotdish ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the hotdish a day in advance and bake it just before serving. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled!
Is this dish gluten-free? If you use gluten-free tater tots and ensure your soup is gluten-free, you’re all set!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, I love serving the tater tot hotdish with a simple side salad for a refreshing crunch. You could also pair it with some steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition. And don’t forget a warm piece of garlic bread—it’s the perfect way to soak up all that deliciousness!
For more delicious recipes, check out this tater tot casserole recipe or this creamy chicken tortilla soup for a cozy meal option!
Print
Tater Tot Hotdish: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Comfort Food
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting casserole with tater tots, ground beef, and creamy soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion.
- Drain excess fat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and mixed vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: tater tot hotdish, casserole, comfort food
