Looking to elevate your classic casserole game while accommodating dietary preferences? This Ultimate Tater Tot Hotdish is the perfect blend of hearty flavors and satisfying textures. With a crispy topping of golden tater tots and a savory, well-seasoned filling, it’s sure to become a staple at your family dinners and potluck gatherings.
Elevating the Classic Tater Tot Hotdish
Tater Tot Hotdish is a beloved staple in the Upper Midwest, renowned for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors. This enhanced version takes the traditional casserole to the next level by incorporating a balanced mix of proteins, vegetables, and cheeses, all topped with crispy tater tots. Ideal for potlucks or family meals, this dish combines the sweetness of corn with the savory richness of seasoned ground meat, creating a harmonious blend that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re adhering to specific dietary restrictions or simply seeking a more refined take on a comfort food classic, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying solution that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients for Ultimate Tater Tot Hotdish
- 1 pound (450 grams) hamburger, ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a mixture
- 1 medium (about 150 grams) onion, chopped
- 1/2 medium (about 75 grams) bell pepper (green, yellow, or red, or a combination), diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 dash each of onion powder and garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce, low sodium
- 1/2 package (32 ounces / 900 grams) tater tots, or enough to create a single layer on top
- 1 can (10.75 ounces / 300 grams) cream of mushroom soup, low sodium (condensed)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) low-fat sour cream
- 1/2 can (about 7 ounces / 200 grams) corn kernels, low sodium, drained (alternatively, use canned low-sodium green beans)
- 1 dash seasoned salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded Colby Jack cheese, or your favorite cheese blend
- 1-2 dashes beef bouillon granules
How to Prepare Ultimate Tater Tot Hotdish
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius).
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat with the chopped onions, diced bell peppers, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, and low-sodium Worcestershire sauce. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Season the mixture with a dash of seasoned salt and pepper to taste, being careful not to over-season as the toppings will also include seasoning.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and low-fat sour cream with the milk, stirring until smooth. Add a dash or two of beef bouillon granules and whisk to blend thoroughly. Pour this mixture into the cooked meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to heat through.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly spread the meat and sauce mixture over the bottom of a 2-quart (1.9-liter) casserole dish. Sprinkle the drained corn kernels over the meat layer, followed by half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Add the Tater Tots and Final Toppings: Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese. Lightly season the tater tots with additional seasoned salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake the Hotdish: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake, covered, for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, and the tater tots have achieved a crispy texture.
This Ultimate Tater Tot Hotdish marries the comforting familiarity of a traditional casserole with thoughtful enhancements that cater to modern dietary needs and flavor preferences. The combination of seasoned ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and a cheesy topping creates a balanced and hearty meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. The crispy tater tots add a delightful crunch, making each bite satisfying and memorable. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where comfort food is celebrated, this hotdish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire. Embrace the warmth and simplicity of this dish, and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table.
