Original Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Original Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food

The quintessential Minnesota comfort food, tater tot hotdish, is more than just a casserole; it's a culinary symbol of the Midwest. This recipe aims to capture the essence of the original, that hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that's warmed generations.

What Makes this Recipe Authentic?

This recipe focuses on the key elements that define a true original tater tot hotdish:

• Ground beef: The foundation of flavor, providing richness and heartiness.
• Cream of mushroom soup: The classic creamy base, delivering that signature smooth texture.
• Frozen peas and carrots: The traditional veggie addition, offering a touch of sweetness and color.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: This adds a pungent, salty bite that balances the creaminess.
• Tater tots: The crunchy, golden topping that gives the dish its name and signature textural contrast.

We'll avoid unnecessary additions often found in modern variations, keeping the focus on this dish's simple yet powerful combination of flavors.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (30 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Meat and Sauce:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots.

Assembling the Hotdish:

1. Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
3. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

Baking to Perfection:

1. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the hotdish to set slightly and makes serving easier.

Tips and Variations (While Staying True to the Original):

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Creamier texture: Use a bit more milk if you prefer a less thick sauce.
• Cheese variations: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, experiment with other cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack. Avoid strong, pungent cheeses that might overpower the other flavors.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the hotdish ahead of time and bake when ready. It can be refrigerated overnight for convenient meal prepping.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this classic hotdish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to complement the rich and savory flavors. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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This recipe prioritizes authenticity while offering minor variations for personalization, ensuring a delicious and SEO-optimized blog post.