When you think of Midwestern comfort food, the Tater Tot Hotdish reigns supreme—especially in Minnesota, where it’s more than just dinner… it’s a tradition. This iconic casserole brings together ground beef, veggies, creamy soup, and crispy golden tater tots in a single dish that warms both the body and soul.
Whether you’re cooking for a potluck, a snowy weeknight dinner, or just craving a nostalgic bite, this is the definitive way to make Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish at home—crispy, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Main Components:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or use 2 mushroom if preferred)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups frozen tater tots (about one 28 oz bag)
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for dotting over tots)
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small drizzle of oil.
- Add ground beef and chopped onions. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Mix the Creamy Filling
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix until well combined and warm—this makes the base rich and creamy.
- Add the peas and carrots (and corn if using) and stir to combine evenly.
4. Assemble the Hotdish
- Pour the creamy beef mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle a light layer of cheddar cheese over the mixture (about ½ cup).
5. Add the Tater Tots
- Arrange frozen tater tots in neat rows over the top. You can overlap slightly or pack them tightly—it’s up to your style!
- Optional: dot with a few small pieces of butter for extra golden tops.
6. Bake Until Bubbling and Crispy
- Place dish in the center rack of the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until:
- The filling is bubbling up around the edges.
- The tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
7. Final Cheese Boost (Optional)
- If you like it extra cheesy, sprinkle another ½–1 cup of cheddar over the top during the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
- Let it melt into the tots and create that gooey layer everyone loves.
8. Let It Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- This helps the hotdish set a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy twist: Add cayenne or diced jalapeños to the beef mix.
- Cream-free version: Use a homemade roux and broth instead of canned soups.
- Breakfast hotdish: Swap beef for cooked breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use plant-based crumbles or extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions
This hotdish is a meal on its own, but it goes great with:
- Pickles or coleslaw on the side
- A small green salad
- Warm dinner rolls or rye bread
There’s a reason Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish has stuck around for generations. It’s easy, filling, and crowd-pleasing—perfect for everything from a winter night to a church potluck. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable and totally forgiving. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll likely become part of your own family tradition too.
