Tater Tot Casserole (Hotdish)

Tater Tot Casserole is everything you want in a hearty casserole. Loaded with ground beef, mixed vegetables, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, this dish is a complete meal all in one. It’s easy to make in advance, transports well, and the leftovers taste just as good as the original!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ALWAYS on the lookout for easy dinner recipes. And if I can find recipes that are a complete meal all in one? Even better. Especially when they’re something the whole family loves.

This Tater Tot Casserole (aka Hotdish) is one of our weeknight favorites, and fits the bill on all accounts. Originally published in a community cookbook in the 1930’s, this dish has its roots in the state of Minnesota. Which is no wonder… because it’s the perfect cold weather casserole recipe!

It’s also easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and it’s packed with ingredients that no one will complain about. Which… for anyone who has kids… is always a small miracle.

ingredients & substitutions

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make adjustments to. Whether you want to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, mix up the vegetables, or use a different kind of seasoning or soup, the possibilities are endless.

Ground beef – Substitute ground turkey, ground chicken or a meatless “ground beef” option. You can also add garlic, onion, and/or mushrooms to the mixture for additional flavor.

French onion soup mix – Use homemade Onion Soup Mix OR substitute Italian or Ranch dressing mix.

Cream of onion soup – Use any flavor of canned cream soup OR homemade cream of chicken soup.

Frozen mixed vegetables – Use frozen green beans or any vegetable blend OR substitute fresh steamed vegetables.

Cheese – Use any variety of cheese your family prefers.

Tater tots – Substitute sweet potato tots for a fun flavor twist.

how to make tater tot casserole

Brown the meat. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or whatever type of meat you’re using.

Add the soups. Stir in French onion soup mix and 1 can cream of onion soup.

Assemble the casserole. Spread mixture in a 9×13 inch pan; top with frozen mixed veggies, shredded cheese, and frozen tater tots. Season with salt & pepper.

Bake. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 1 hour.

how to make it in advance

• To make it and bake it later the same day, simply prepare it according to recipe instructions, then cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Since the veggies and tater tots will at least partially thaw in the fridge, you can reduce the baking time to 30-45 minutes.
• To make it further ahead, simply prepare it according to recipe instructions, then cover it and freeze it until ready to bake. Since the entire casserole will be frozen solid, you will need to increase the baking time to 60-90 minutes.