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A freshly baked Tater Tot Casserole in a white dish, with a spoon lifting a scoop to show the ground beef layer.

Classic Cheesy Tater Tot Hotdish

This hearty and comforting hotdish features a savory ground beef and vegetable filling in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. It's a perfect easy family meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Midwestern
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Base
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce & Vegetables
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz, condensed
  • 1/2 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 package frozen mixed vegetables 10 oz, peas, carrots, corn, green beans
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 oz
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

Prepare Oven & Dish
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cook Beef & Onion
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Prepare Sauce
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
Combine Filling
  1. Add the cooked beef and onion mixture, frozen mixed vegetables, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Assemble Hotdish
  1. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
Bake
  1. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tater tots are starting to crisp and turn golden brown.
Add Final Cheese
  1. Remove the hotdish from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
  2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest & Serve
  1. Let the hotdish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot.

Notes

• **Variations:** Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. You can also experiment with different condensed soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery.
• **Vegetables:** If you prefer, use fresh or canned vegetables, just ensure they are drained well. For fresh, sauté them lightly with the onion before adding.
• **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.