Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, or corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or try pepper jack for a spicier twist)
- 1 bag (approx. 32 oz) frozen Tater Tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: A sprinkle of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder for added depth
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add diced onions, cooking until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 2: Mix in the Cream of Mushroom Soup and Vegetables
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until it coats the beef mixture evenly.
- Add frozen vegetables directly to the skillet, mixing thoroughly. (No need to pre-cook frozen veggies as they’ll cook in the oven.)
Step 3: Layer in a Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, creating a gooey layer.
Step 4: Arrange the Tater Tots
- Place Tater Tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Arrange them neatly or scatter them for a rustic look, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the Tater Tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Scoop into generous portions and enjoy the creamy, crispy layers of this classic dish.
Notes
- aco Tater Tot Hotdish: Season ground beef with taco seasoning, add canned beans, corn, and top with Mexican cheese blend. Garnish with jalapeños or sour cream.
- Breakfast Tater Tot Hotdish: Substitute ground beef with breakfast sausage, add scrambled eggs, and top with cheese.
- Cheeseburger Tater Tot Hotdish: Add pickles, mustard, and ketchup to the beef mixture for a cheeseburger flavor.
- Vegetarian Tater Tot Hotdish: Skip the meat and use diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: American, Midwest
- Cuisine: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g