📝 About This Recipe
A quintessential staple of Minnesota soul food, this Tater Tot Hotdish is the ultimate expression of midwestern comfort. It features a savory base of seasoned ground beef and aromatic vegetables bound in a rich, creamy gravy and topped with a precision-aligned crown of golden, extra-crispy potato nuggets. This recipe elevates the church-basement classic with fresh aromatics and a hint of Worcestershire, delivering a nostalgic, salty, and deeply satisfying bite every time.
🥗 Ingredients
The Savory Base
- 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is preferred for flavor)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks Celery (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
The Creamy Binder & Vegetables
- 10.5 ounces Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (one standard can)
- 10.5 ounces Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (provides a lighter, silkier texture than using all mushroom)
- 1 cup Frozen Sweet Corn (no need to thaw)
- 1 cup Frozen Cut Green Beans (no need to thaw)
- 1/4 cup Whole Milk (to loosen the sauce slightly)
The Topping
- 32 ounces Frozen Tater Tots (one large bag; keep frozen until ready to use)
- 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
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2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is mostly browned (about 5-7 minutes).
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3
Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet with the beef. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
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4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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5
Drain off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving just a small amount for moisture. This prevents the hotdish from becoming oily.
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6
Season the meat mixture with the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
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7
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and the 1/4 cup of milk until smooth.
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8
Fold the browned beef mixture, frozen corn, and frozen green beans into the soup mixture until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
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9
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
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10
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and vegetable base.
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11
Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat, tight rows across the entire surface. For the best texture, ensure they are touching but not overlapping too much.
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12
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The tots should be deep golden brown and crispy, and the sauce should be bubbling up around the edges.
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13
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
For maximum crunch, don't crowd the tots; a single, organized layer allows hot air to circulate and crisp the sides. If you want an even richer sauce, substitute the milk with heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. Always drain the beef fat thoroughly before adding the soup to ensure the bottom layer isn't greasy. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or venison for a different flavor profile, but add a teaspoon of beef bouillon for depth. If you prefer a 'dryer' hotdish, omit the 1/4 cup of milk entirely.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of pickled beets or sweet gherkin pickles to cut through the richness. A crisp garden salad with a sharp vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole. Pair with a classic American lager or a cold glass of milk for the authentic experience. Offer extra hot sauce or ketchup on the table for those who like a tangy kick. Leftovers are even better the next day; reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the tot crunch.