Cheesy Tater Tot Hotdish (Printable)

Ground beef, veggies, cheese sauce, and crispy tater tots baked golden for cozy family dinners.

# Components:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley
07 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese Sauce

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
12 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
13 - 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Tater Tot Topping

15 - 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add whole milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - Pour cheese sauce evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
05 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and the filling is bubbling.
06 - Allow the hotdish to rest for 5 minutes before sprinkling with chopped chives, if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes only a few pantry and freezer staples so easy to throw together any night
  • Ready in about an hour with mostly hands off baking time
  • Crowd pleasing and kid approved every time I have never brought home leftovers from a potluck
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully
02 -
  • High in protein and filling for kids and grownups
  • Recipe freezes beautifully for later meals
  • Flexible for ingredient swaps and works as a full dinner on its own
03 -
  • Spread tots in an even row so they cook up crisp and not soggy in spots
  • Always shred your own cheese if possible for the smoothest sauce no clumping
  • Do not skip letting it rest after baking or the filling will not hold together when serving

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