Classic Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

For the ultimate comfort food, try this Tater Tot Hotdish! This hearty casserole features ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, green beans, corn, and crispy tater tots, finished with melted cheddar and scallions. Perfect for a cozy dinner, potluck, or chilly evening, it’s pure comfort in every bite.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the onions and beef. You can also use butter for extra richness.

2 cups chopped yellow onion – Provides a sweet and savory depth of flavor.

1 pound ground beef (80% lean) – For a rich, meaty base.

For a lighter alternative, consider swapping in ground turkey or chicken instead.

½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a mild garlic flavor to enhance the dish.

½ teaspoon onion powder – Boosts the overall onion flavor.

½ teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of warmth and spice.

2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup – Creates the creamy, flavorful base of the hotdish. Substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if preferred.

2 cups frozen green beans, thawed – A classic vegetable addition for texture and color.

2 cups frozen sweet corn, thawed – Adds a hint of natural sweetness to balance the flavors.

1 ½ pounds frozen tater tots – The crispy, golden topping that makes this dish iconic!

¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s®) – Adds an extra layer of savory goodness.

½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully over the hotdish, adding richness.

2 small scallions, thinly sliced – For garnish, adding a fresh and mild onion flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the tater tots become perfectly crispy while the casserole bakes.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a large, deep cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Gently rotate the skillet to evenly distribute the oil across the surface.

Add the chopped onions first and allow them to sauté for about 2 minutes until they start to become translucent. Then, add the ground beef on top, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir everything together and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let it cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 4: Mix with Soup and Vegetables

Add the cream of mushroom soup, thawed green beans, and sweet corn to the cooked beef mixture. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the soup evenly coats all the ingredients. This will help create a creamy, cohesive casserole.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Tater Tots

In a separate bowl, toss the frozen tater tots with ¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt to enhance their flavor. Arrange the tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single, even layer, ensuring there are no large gaps. This helps achieve the perfect crispy topping in every bite.

Step 6: Bake the Hotdish

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 1 hour. The tater tots should turn golden brown and crispy, and the creamy filling should be bubbling at the edges.

To check for doneness, use a spoon to slightly lift a tater tot—if the filling beneath is hot and bubbling, your hotdish is ready!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the hotdish is fully baked, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully.

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, bright touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Tater Tot Hotdish is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can also pair it with:

A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Soft dinner rolls or a piece of crusty bread are perfect for mopping up the rich, creamy sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

Meat Alternatives:

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.

Cheese Options:

While sharp Cheddar is a classic choice, you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or a cheese blend for a unique twist.

Soup Variations:

Try cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar soup instead of cream of mushroom.

Extra Additions:

Stir in chopped bell peppers, diced carrots, or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers:

Allow the hotdish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.

Freezing Instructions:

This dish freezes well! Assemble the hotdish but do not bake it.

Wrap securely with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to three months.

To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Reheating:

Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave individual servings on medium power for about 2–3 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Tater Tot Hotdish is a timeless, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday potluck, or just craving some nostalgic comfort food, this dish is sure to please!

Enjoy!

Looking for a hearty meal? Try our delicious (beef) recipes, packed with bold flavors and tender cuts of meat.

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