Why You’ll Love Classic Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe
Tater Tot hotdish is the ultimate one-dish dinner that combines protein, veggies, and potatoes in a creamy, flavorful bake. Its crunchy tater-tot topping perfectly contrasts the savory, tender filling below, and the dish comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon butter
2 pounds ground beef
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 to 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 to 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces mixed frozen or canned vegetables (like green beans, corn, peas, carrots)
2 (14-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
24 ounces frozen tater tots
Ketchup for serving (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft.
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In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer about half of the cooked beef on the bottom, draining excess liquid as needed.
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Add half of the vegetables over the beef and season again if desired. Pour one can of condensed soup evenly over this layer.
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Repeat with the remaining beef, vegetables, and soup.
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Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top, covering the surface in neat rows.
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Bake until the tater tots are golden brown and the hotdish is bubbling around the edges, about 45 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes one 9×13-inch casserole, serving about 6 people. Total time is roughly 60 minutes (about 5 minutes prep + 55 minutes baking).
Variations
• Add shredded cheese on top before baking for extra cheesiness.
• Swap cream of chicken or celery soup for cream of mushroom.
• Use ground turkey or a mix of beef and turkey.
• Try different veggies such as broccoli, peas, or corn, or a mix of your favorites.
• Substitute tater tots with hash browns, potato crowns, or even French fries for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals until hot. You can also freeze the assembled hotdish (before baking) for up to 3 months; bake from frozen with added time until bubbly and golden.
FAQs
What is a hotdish?
A hotdish is a Midwestern casserole that typically includes a starch, protein, vegetables, and a creamy soup baked together.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free cream soups and check your tater tots are gluten-free.
Do I need to thaw the vegetables?
You can use frozen vegetables as is; they will cook during baking.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely — sprinkle cheese on top before or after baking for a cheesy version.
Is ketchup traditional with hotdish?
Many people enjoy ketchup with hotdish, but it’s optional.
How do I make the tater tots crispier?
Broil the top for a few minutes at the end or bake a bit longer to crisp them.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes — layer everything and refrigerate before baking or freeze for future meals.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. Re-crisp the top under a broiler if desired.
Can I add other meats?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat.
What sides go well with hotdish?
Serve with a simple salad, steamed veggies, or breadsticks for a full meal.
Conclusion
Classic Tater Tot hotdish is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole that brings together simple ingredients for big flavor. With plenty of room for personalization — from added cheese to different veggies or meats — it’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. Enjoy the crispy tater-tot topping and hearty filling that’s sure to become a favorite.
Classic Tater Tot Hotdish
A classic Midwestern comfort food, Tater Tot Hotdish is a hearty casserole made with ground beef, vegetables, creamy soup, and topped with crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups frozen cut green beans
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen green beans and cook until just warmed through, about 2 more minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with a single layer of tater tots.
- Bake for 35 minutes, until the tots are golden and crisp.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the green beans with mixed vegetables or corn.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom if preferred.
- For extra crispiness, bake the tater tots for a few minutes before adding to the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
