Description
A comforting classic Tater Tot Hotdish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy golden Tater Tots baked to perfection. Perfect for an easy family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter
- 2 pounds ground beef, any kind
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 16 ounces mixed frozen or canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, and/or carrots)
- 2 (14-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 24 ounces frozen Tater Tots
- Ketchup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to get it ready for baking the hotdish.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add ground beef and chopped onions, season with salt and pepper, and break the meat up with a spatula. Cook for about 8 minutes until no pink remains.
- Layer the Hotdish: Using a slotted spoon, place half of the cooked beef into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, discarding excess liquid. Top with half the vegetables, season again if desired, then spread one can of cream of mushroom soup evenly over the vegetables.
- Add Second Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining beef and vegetables, season again, then add the second can of mushroom soup over the top spreading evenly.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen Tater Tots individually in straight rows and columns to completely cover the final soup layer.
- Bake the Hotdish: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the Tater Tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve and Store: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve with ketchup if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or oven until warmed through.
Notes
- Use a slotted spoon to reduce excess grease in the beef layer for a less greasy casserole.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for different flavors.
- Vegetable mix can be customized based on preference or availability; frozen mixed vegetables work best.
- Let leftovers come to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
- For a crispier topping, broil the Tater Tots for a couple of minutes at the end of baking.
