A beloved Midwestern staple, Tater Tot Hotdish is the definition of cozy, hearty comfort food. I make it with seasoned ground beef, green beans, and a creamy mushroom-based sauce, all topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially during cold months or when I need to feed a hungry group with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound ground beef
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 can (10.5 ounces) 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 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I heat vegetable oil over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until it softens.
I add the ground beef along with salt and pepper and cook it for about 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. I drain any excess grease if needed.
Then I stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing it all well and letting it cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Next, I add the frozen green beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
I transfer the entire beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
Then, I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
I bake the dish uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—it helps the layers settle and makes it easier to scoop.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Variations
Vegetarian Option: I sometimes skip the beef and use plant-based meat or extra veggies like mushrooms or corn.
Spicy Kick: A dash of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese gives it a nice heat.
Different Veggies: I’ve swapped green beans with peas, carrots, or a mixed vegetable blend depending on what I have.
Cheese Swap: Cheddar is classic, but I also like using Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder, creamy flavor.
Bacon Boost: Crumbled cooked bacon on top adds a smoky crunch.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes to get the tater tots crispy again, or I microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes (though the tots will be softer).
This dish also freezes well. I wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What makes a dish a “hotdish”?
Hotdish is a regional term from the Midwest, referring to a baked casserole that includes a protein, vegetables, a starch (like tater tots), and a creamy binder—usually a soup.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready, I bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely. I just blanch them first so they’re slightly tender before baking.
What’s a good substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If I want to go homemade, I make a quick roux with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms. Cream of chicken or celery soup also works well.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes! I sometimes layer extra cheese under the tater tots or mix some into the beef mixture for extra creaminess.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Hotdish is one of those nostalgic, satisfying meals I turn to again and again. It’s simple, customizable, and hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Whether I’m cooking for my family or making a dish to share, it’s always a winner.
📖 Recipe:
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Tater Tot Hotdish
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A beloved Midwestern comfort food, Tater Tot Hotdish combines seasoned ground beef, green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy tater tots, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 can (10.5 ounces) 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 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add frozen green beans and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat or extra veggies instead of beef.
Add hot sauce or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Swap green beans with peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables.
Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor.
Add cooked bacon on top for extra smokiness and crunch.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes for crispy tots, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
