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Crispy Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe Easy Cheesy Beef Casserole Delight

crispy tater tot hotdish - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring crispy tater tots layered over a rich, cheesy beef filling. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz (900g) frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional, peas and corn)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in frozen vegetables if using and cook just until warmed through.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese with sour cream.
  7. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Dollop and gently spread the cheese and sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
  9. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese mixture. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the tots.
  10. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crisp. Optionally broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra crunch, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Let the hotdish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free hotdish. Broil at the end for extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Prepare beef filling a day ahead to deepen flavors. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning beef to get better caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot hotdish, cheesy beef casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, crispy tater tots, weeknight dinner