The Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish is a comforting and hearty casserole that has become a beloved staple in many Midwestern homes, particularly in Minnesota. This iconic dish encapsulates the spirit of the region, offering warmth and nostalgia on a plate. Its origins are rooted in practicality and tradition; it was created as an easy-to-make, one-dish meal that could feed a family and be made with ingredients commonly found in a Midwestern kitchen. Tater Tot Hotdish typically features a layer of ground beef and a creamy soup mixture, topped with crispy tater tots and is often studded with mixed vegetables to add color and nutrition.
When serving the Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish, you’ll find that it’s a hearty meal in itself. However, it can be complemented with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. For a full Midwestern experience, some may opt to serve it with buttered toasted bread or dinner rolls on the side. As a nod to its homely essence, this hotdish is often brought to potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing entree.
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Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., corn, peas, and carrots), frozen or fresh
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., corn, peas, and carrots), frozen or fresh
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions with the mixed vegetables, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the hotdish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
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9. Serve hot, paired with a side salad or bread if desired, and enjoy the taste of the Midwest right at your dinner table.