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Cozy Midwest Loaded Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe Perfect for Comfort Meals

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A warm, hearty, and nostalgic casserole featuring ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy tater tots, perfect for cozy Midwest comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  5. Add the browned beef mixture into the bowl with the creamy sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  6. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Avoid overlapping for even baking.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the tots are golden and crispy and the filling bubbles around the sides.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  10. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  11. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving.

Notes

If tater tots brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. Let hotdish rest 10 minutes after baking for easier serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and tater tots. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and cheese with vegan alternatives. Browning the meat well is key for flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot hotdish, comfort food, casserole, ground beef recipe, cheesy casserole, Midwestern recipe, easy dinner, loaded tater tots

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/cozy-midwest-loaded-tater-tot-hotdish-recipe-perfect-for-comfort-meals/