Tater Tot Hotdish
Introducing Tater Tot Hotdish: This classic comfort food casserole brings together layers of savory flavors and textures in a satisfying dish.
Starting with a base of seasoned ground beef, onions, and garlic, topped with creamy mushroom soup and tender green beans, each layer is complemented by a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. The crowning touch is a layer of crispy tater tots that bake to golden perfection.
Perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck, this Tater Tot Hotdish offers warmth and nostalgia in every comforting bite, making it a beloved favorite for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Tater Tot Hotdish
Ingredients
1 small onion, diced fine
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef, cooked thoroughly and drained
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 can cream of mushroom soup
15 ounce can of cut green beans, drained
2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350*
Lightly spray an 8 or 9 inch square baking pan
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the garlic and onion
Drain excess fat
Stir in the Worcestershire Sauce, add salt and pepper to taste
Transfer this mixture to the baking dish as the bottom layer.
Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the top of the ground beef
Place the drained green beans on the top of the soup mix, season with salt and pepper
Top with the shredded cheese
Place the tater tots on as the top layer
Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.
Serve immediately.
Notes:
Onion and Garlic: Dicing the onion finely and mincing the garlic ensures they distribute evenly throughout the dish, imparting flavor to the ground beef as it cooks.
Ground Beef: Ensure the ground beef is cooked thoroughly in a skillet until browned. Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Seasoning: Adding Worcestershire Sauce to the ground beef mixture enhances its savory depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste for balanced flavors.
Layering: Start by transferring the seasoned ground beef into a lightly sprayed baking pan as the bottom layer. This forms the hearty base of the hotdish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Pour the canned cream of mushroom soup over the ground beef layer. This creamy component binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Green Beans: Arrange drained cut green beans evenly on top of the soup layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper for added taste and texture contrast.
Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the green beans. The cheese melts during baking, adding gooey goodness to every bite.
Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. This forms the crispy, golden crust that gives the dish its distinctive texture.
Baking: Bake the assembled hotdish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serving: Serve the Tater Tot Hotdish immediately after baking while it’s hot and bubbly. It’s perfect for a comforting family meal and pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 490 kcal | Protein: 24 g | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Sugar: 3 g | Fat: 33 g | Saturated Fat: 16 g | Cholesterol: 95 mg | Sodium: 1070 mg | Potassium: 455 mg | Fiber: 3 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare Tater Tot Hotdish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the hotdish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option.
Ensure they are cooked thoroughly and seasoned well for flavor.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with vegetarian ground “beef” crumbles or omit it entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade white sauce made with milk and flour.
Can I add other vegetables to this hotdish?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as corn, peas, or diced bell peppers.
Ensure they are drained well and evenly distributed for even cooking.
How do I ensure the tater tots are crispy?
To ensure crispy tater tots, spread them in a single layer on top of the hotdish before baking.
Avoid overcrowding them so they can crisp up evenly.
Can I freeze Tater Tot Hotdish?
Yes, Tater Tot Hotdish can be frozen before or after baking.
Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
What should I serve with Tater Tot Hotdish?
Tater Tot Hotdish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls to complement the flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Can I make this dish in a different size or shape of baking dish?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the baking dish as needed, keeping in mind that a larger dish may require slightly less baking time to ensure even cooking.