Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic Midwestern comfort food made with layers of ground beef, creamy soup, vegetables, and crispy golden tater tots. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make—all in one dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy weeknights, this cozy casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
yellow onion (diced)
garlic (minced)
frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
cream of mushroom soup
milk
Worcestershire sauce
salt
black pepper
frozen tater tots
shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Mix in the frozen vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until just combined.

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45-55 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick.
Try cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a flavor twist.
Top with French fried onions or crumbled bacon for extra crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Tater Tot Hotdish?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly.

Do I have to thaw the veggies first?
No, frozen vegetables work great straight from the freezer.

Can I make it without soup?
You can use a homemade white sauce if you prefer to skip canned soup.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby work well too.

Do tater tots get soggy?
They stay crispy if baked uncovered and in a single layer.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Hotdish is a nostalgic, no-fuss casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or just craving something hearty and delicious, this timeless dish is as easy as it is comforting.