Tater Tot Hotdish

Tater tot hotdish is a beloved Midwest classic that brings together the best of everything: a rich, hearty filling topped with crispy tater tots, all baked to golden perfection.

It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that you can whip up with a few basic ingredients, yet it’s packed with everything you need for a comforting meal. Whether you’re new to the dish or you’ve been eating it since childhood, there’s a reason why it continues to be a favorite for so many.

What Makes This So Great?

Tater tot hotdish is one of those meals that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Its popularity stems from its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just a few people, this dish fits the bill. You only need one pan for the filling, a casserole dish to bake it in, and you’re good to go.

Another huge plus? It’s budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are things you likely already have in your pantry or freezer. It’s also super adaptable—you can add more veggies, different types of meat, or even swap out the ground beef for a vegetarian or vegan option. Plus, who can resist crispy tater tots on top of a cheesy, meaty, creamy base? It’s comfort food, plain and simple, and something anyone can appreciate after a long day.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

Before you get started, gather a few basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a few things to prepare this dish, but nothing out of the ordinary.

• Skillet: For cooking the beef and sautéing the vegetables. A medium-sized one should do the trick.
• Wooden spoon: To break up the ground beef and stir everything together.
• 13 x 9 casserole dish: This is where all the magic happens. You’ll layer your ingredients here before baking.
• Measuring spoons: For measuring out the oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spatula: To spread the beef mixture evenly in the casserole dish.

That’s it! These basic tools will help you create this delicious meal without any special gadgets.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

One of the best parts about tater tot hotdish is how minimal the ingredient list is. Let’s break it down:

• 1 tsp oil: You’ll use this to sauté the onions and garlic.
• 1 tbsp medium white onion, finely chopped: The onion adds a nice base to your dish, giving it that delicious aromatic start.
• 3 tbsp garlic cloves, minced: Because who doesn’t love garlic?
• 1 cup of vegetables: You can use frozen or fresh veggies like green beans or corn. It’s really up to you, and you can switch it up depending on what you have on hand.
• 1 lb ground beef: This is the classic choice, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or even a plant-based option if needed.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste while cooking the beef and veggies.
• 1 tbsp cream of mushroom soup: This adds richness to the dish, making it creamy and satisfying.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese is a must! You want that gooey, melty layer under the crispy tots.
• 16 oz tater tots: The star of the show! These tots crisp up beautifully on top of the cheesy beef mixture.

These ingredients are easy to find, and you can even modify some of them depending on your dietary preferences, but more on that later.

How To Make It

This recipe comes together quickly, which is part of why it’s such a popular weeknight meal. Let’s walk through the steps to make sure you nail it on your first try.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350℉ so it’s ready to go once you’ve got everything in the dish.
2. Cook the base: Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, then toss in the chopped onion. Let it cook until soft, about 3 minutes, and then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic working its magic.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in your choice of veggies—whether you’ve chosen green beans, corn, or something else, cook them for a few minutes until they soften.
4. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up using your wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the beef is no longer pink.
5. Mix in the soup: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup. This will give your beef and veggie mix a nice creamy texture.
6. Layer in the casserole dish: Grease your casserole dish, then spoon in the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Add the tots: Arrange your tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. They should cover the whole surface of the dish.
8. Bake: Bake the dish for 20 minutes at 350℉. After 20 minutes, switch the oven to broil to crisp up the tater tots for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
9. Cool and serve: Once the tots are golden and crispy, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

And that’s it! You’ve just made a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

The tater tot hotdish is a Midwestern icon, with its roots deeply embedded in the culture of states like Minnesota and North Dakota. The term “hotdish” itself dates back to the early 20th century and was often a catch-all phrase for a meal that was easy to make, budget-friendly, and served in—you guessed it—a casserole dish.

Initially, these casseroles were made with whatever ingredients families had on hand, making them perfect for large gatherings and church potlucks. In the 1950s, tater tots were invented as a way to use leftover potato scraps. It wasn’t long before some genius decided to combine the tots with the classic hotdish ingredients of meat, vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup. The result was an instant hit.

Today, tater tot hotdish continues to be a comfort food staple across the Midwest and beyond. Its combination of convenience and heartiness makes it a go-to for busy families and anyone who craves a filling, no-fuss meal.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs?

If you have specific dietary needs, tater tot hotdish is incredibly adaptable. Here’s how you can modify it:

• Vegan: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles. There are plenty of meat substitutes on the market that will work perfectly here. Instead of the cream of mushroom soup, use a dairy-free cream soup or make your own by blending mushrooms with cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep that cheesy goodness.
• Vegetarian: Follow the same swaps as the vegan version, but you can keep the regular cream of mushroom soup if you’re okay with dairy.
• Gluten-free: Many tater tots and cream soups contain gluten, so be sure to use gluten-free versions. Gluten-free tater tots can be found at most grocery stores, and there are gluten-free cream of mushroom soup options available as well.

How Many Calories Are In Tater Tot Hotdish?

The calorie count of a typical tater tot hotdish will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but on average, one serving (about one-sixth of the dish) will contain roughly 400-500 calories. Factors like the type of ground beef (lean vs. regular), the amount of cheese, and the tater tots themselves will affect the final count.

How Should I Store This?

Tater tot hotdish stores exceptionally well. Here’s what to do with any leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat it in the microwave, but for the best results, reheat it in the oven at 350℉ for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the tots stay crispy.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the hotdish. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven until heated through.