Original Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

A casserole dish filled with tater tots arranged neatly on top of a mixture of vegetables and beef in a creamy sauce. The tater tots are topped with zigzagging lines of ketchup. A plaid cloth is partly visible beside the dish.

This authentic origianal tater tot hotdish recipe stays true to its Midwestern roots, combining simple, hearty ingredients in a way that has stood the test of time. A staple in Minnesota since the 1950s, this dish was born from the rise of convenience foods, using frozen tater tots and canned soup to create an easy, satisfying meal. While many versions exist, this recipe sticks to the classic combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, mixed vegetables, and crispy tater tots, making it a true original.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Midwestern

Keyword easy, family-friendly, hearty, one-pot

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 719

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted
2 pounds ground beef any kind
1 large yellow onion chopped (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
16 ounces mixed frozen or canned vegetables such as green beans, corn, peas, and carrots
2 cans cream of mushroom soup 14 ounces each
24 ounces frozen Tater Tots
Optional: Ketchup for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
1 tablespoon butter
Add the ground beef and chopped onions, and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper.
2 pounds ground beef, 1 large yellow onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and no pink remains. This should take about 8 minutes.
Drain any excess liquid.

Layer the Casserole

Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the cooked beef to the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
Add half of the vegetables on top of the beef. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.
16 ounces mixed frozen or canned vegetables
Pour one can of cream of mushroom soup over the vegetables, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
Repeat the layering with the remaining beef, vegetables, and the second can of cream of mushroom soup, spreading it out evenly.
Arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer on top, placing them in straight rows or columns to cover the surface completely.
24 ounces frozen Tater Tots

Bake the Casserole

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
The Tater Tots should be golden brown, and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges.

Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot with ketchup on the side, if desired.
Optional: Ketchup

Notes

Tips for Success:
Vegetable Options: You can use any mix of frozen or canned vegetables. If using canned vegetables, drain them well before adding.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking during the layering process.
Leftover Storage: Cool the casserole to room temperature before covering tightly or transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 minutes.

Nutrition