There’s nothing quite like the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty, home-cooked casserole. If you’re searching for a dish that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, Tater Tot Hotdish is the answer. A classic Midwest comfort food, this casserole features layers of savory ground beef, crisp tater tots, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a potluck with friends, or a family dinner, Tater Tot Hotdish is the perfect solution. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and so delicious that you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds). Let’s dive in and learn how to make this crowd-pleaser from scratch!
What is Tater Tot Hotdish?
Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic casserole dish that hails from the Midwest. It’s traditionally made with ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots and gooey melted cheese. Often associated with gatherings and comfort meals, this dish is simple to make, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Tater Tot Hotdish
- Easy to Prepare: Even beginners can master this dish with its simple steps and accessible ingredients.
- Family Favorite: The combination of crispy tater tots, creamy filling, and melted cheese makes it irresistible for all ages.
- Great for Leftovers: Tater Tot Hotdish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
- Customizable: Adjust the protein, veggies, and seasonings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Hotdish
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting casserole. Use the table below to quickly reference the ingredients for the filling, creamy sauce, and topping.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Yellow onion, diced | ½ |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon (divided) |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon (divided) |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | ½ tablespoon |
| Dry onion soup and dip mix | 1 packet |
| Frozen green beans | 12 ounces |
| Frozen corn | 12 ounces |
| Frozen tater tots | 32 ounces |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups (8-ounce block) |
Creamy Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Milk (whole or 2%) | 1 ½ cups |
| All-purpose flour | ¾ cup |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ¼ teaspoon |
How to Make Tater Tot Hotdish
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Tater Tot Hotdish.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). A preheated oven ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Flavor to the Beef
Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dry onion soup mix. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
4. Add the Vegetables
Mix the frozen green beans and corn into the skillet with the beef. Stir until the vegetables are evenly combined and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, whisk together chicken broth, milk, and flour over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine the Filling
Pour the creamy sauce into the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is well coated in the sauce.
7. Assemble the Hotdish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef and vegetable filling evenly across the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
8. Bake
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired.
Tips for the Best Tater Tot Hotdish
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Grating cheese from a block provides better flavor and melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Use Frozen Tater Tots: Keep the tater tots frozen until you’re ready to bake for the crispiest results.
- Customize Your Veggies: Swap out green beans and corn for your favorites like peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Add Extra Seasoning: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Tater Tot Hotdish is a hearty meal on its own, but you can pair it with these simple sides for a complete dinner:
- A crisp green salad with ranch or vinaigrette dressing.
- Warm dinner rolls or cornbread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- A light soup like tomato or vegetable to complement the richness of the casserole.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Variations of Tater Tot Hotdish
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative variations you can try:
1. Tex-Mex Tater Tot Hotdish
- Replace the green beans and corn with black beans and diced tomatoes.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef.
- Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with sour cream and guacamole.
2. Breakfast Tater Tot Hotdish
- Swap the ground beef for breakfast sausage.
- Add diced bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Mix eggs into the creamy sauce for a breakfast-friendly version.
3. Vegetarian Tater Tot Hotdish
- Skip the ground beef and double the vegetables.
- Add diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture.
FAQs About Tater Tot Hotdish
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it directly from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I freeze Tater Tot Hotdish?
Absolutely! Cook the casserole, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to 3 months.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
4. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! Blanch or lightly steam fresh vegetables before adding them to the filling.
5. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for the creamy sauce and ensure your onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
6. Can I use a different protein?
Of course! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully in this dish.
Bring Comfort to Your Table with Tater Tot Hotdish
Tater Tot Hotdish is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, filling meal that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck favorite, or meal prep for the week, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself to the crispy, creamy, cheesy goodness of this timeless dish.
Print
Tater Tot Hotdish: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than Tater Tot Hotdish! This classic Midwest comfort food features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, crisp veggies, and golden tater tots, topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is the ultimate family favorite!
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet dry onion soup and dip mix
- 12 ounces frozen green beans
- 12 ounces frozen corn
Topping
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Season the Beef
Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dry onion soup mix. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Add Vegetables
Mix in the frozen green beans and corn. Stir until evenly distributed, then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the chicken broth, milk, and flour. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine the Filling
Pour the creamy sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
7. Assemble the Hotdish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
8. Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return the dish to the oven for 5-7 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Let the Tater Tot Hotdish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color, if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the hotdish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: Once baked, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and double the vegetables. Use veggie broth for the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
