Classic Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish is a comfort food that everyone loves. Loaded with so much flavor, ground beef, peas, carrots, corn and cheese topped with crispy tater tots, this is a meal that will keep you warm on cold Minnesota winter nights. This recipe is for just 4 servings but you could definitely double it and use a 9 x 13 pan.
When I first started making Tater Tot Hotdish 30+ years ago, I would mix it all together and then just toss the tater tots on top but my husband insists on using mini tater tots and carefully placing them on top to make sure we have the maximum amount to potato possible. Yes, maybe just a little OCD but he’s right, it definitely tastes better with more tots.
This hearty, one-pan meal has become a staple in many Minnesota homes, thanks to its simplicity, rich flavor, and sheer versatility. Whether you’re attending a church potluck, family gathering, or a cozy dinner at home, Tater Tot Hotdish has an undeniable place on the menu, and it’s not hard to see why.
In a state known for its long winters, the Tater Tot Hotdish is a beacon of warmth and nostalgia. It’s a dish that connects generations, passed down through family recipes, and remains as popular today as ever. If you’re looking for a simple, filling meal that’s sure to please a crowd, Classic Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish is the way to go.
I always love a good hotdish or casserole recipe, another one of my favorites is Tuna Noodle Casserole or the Old Fashioned Hamburger Hotdish that my grandma used to make all the time.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal, pull out a bag of tater tots and give this Midwestern favorite a try—you won’t be disappointed!
What is Classic Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish?
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, “hotdish” is essentially the Minnesota version of a casserole. The ingredients typically consist of some combination of starch, meat, vegetables, and canned soup, which is baked together in one dish.
This economical and satisfying meal originated during the Great Depression, when families needed to stretch ingredients as far as possible. The tradition stuck, and today it’s a dish that brings both nourishment and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Frozen corn
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mini tater tots
How to make Classic Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish
Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onions. Drain off the excess fat.
Add the cream of mushroom soup, peas, carrots, corn and cheese, stir thoroughly.
Transfer the ground beef and vegetable mixture into a 8 x8 baking dish.
Top with the frozen tater tots.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- These are the tools I use when making this recipe!
- GreenPan Frying Pan–GreenPan has the best frying pans, healthy nonstick and oven safe.
- Wilton Baking Pan–this nonstick baking pan works great for making cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls and more and they have their own lid.
- Silicone Mixing Spoon–The perfect spoons to keep your nonstick pans scratch free.
Classic Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package mini tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onions. Drain off the excess fat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, peas, carrots, corn and cheese, stir thoroughly.
- Transfer the ground beef and vegetable mixture into a 8 x8 baking dish.
- Top with the frozen tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm.
