Is There Anything More Midwestern Than Tatertot Hotdish?
Letโs be honestโif youโre from the Midwest (or married to someone who is), then you already know that tatertot hotdish is basically a love language.
In our house, comfort food means one thing: a cheesy, golden, crunchy-topped tatertot casserole loaded with beef and veggies. Itโs easy, itโs filling, and most importantlyโitโs toddler-approved.
Whether you’re making this for a weeknight meal, prepping a freezer batch before baby arrives, or surprising a friend with dinner during a hard week, this tatertot hotdish recipe is a go-to staple in our home. (Bonus: It reheats like a dream.)
Why We Love This Hotdish Recipe with Hamburger
One pan = minimal cleanup
Feeds a crowd (or two hungry kids and a husband who eats like one)
Budget-friendly pantry staples
Hot dish recipes with hamburger are just plain satisfying
And yes, you can 100% prep this in advance. Itโs perfect for those days when the to-do list is long, the kids are melting down by 4 p.m., and you just need dinner to magically appear.
Ingredients for the Best Tatertot Hotdish
To keep it simple, hereโs everything youโll need:
- 2 pounds ground hamburger, browned
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed veggies โ we love the corn, green bean, carrot, and pea combo
- 4 cups shredded cheese โ Colby Jack or cheddar are both delicious
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 large bag (5 lb) frozen tatertots
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (to taste)
Tip: This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies. You could also use canned green beans or frozen broccoli if thatโs what youโve got.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the hamburger. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add the veggies + soup:
Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the frozen veggies and cream of mushroom soup. Mix everything well so the flavors start to come together.
3. Build the casserole:
Spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the hamburger mixture in, spread it evenly, and then top with shredded cheese.
4. Add the tatertots:
Line up your frozen tatertots in neat rows or scatter them for a more rustic feelโjust make sure the top is fully covered.
5. Bake:
Pop it into the oven at 375ยฐF for 60 minutes, uncovered. The tatertots should be crispy and golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbling.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Optional toppings: sour cream, extra cheese, green onions. (Or ketchup, if you live with toddlers like I do.)
Lazy Mom Tatertot Hotdish
Equipment
- 9×13 Glass Baking Dish
- Large Skillet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds hamburger browned
- 1 bag mixed frozen veggies 16 ounces, corn, green beans, peas, carrots
- 4 cups cheese shredded
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 bag frozen tatertots 5 pound
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375. Brown hamburger and season with salt, pepper and garlic if you would like. Once meat is fully cooked, add frozen vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Spray 9×13 glass baking dish with oil, add hamburger mixture, evenly spread across bottom of the dish. Cover with shredded cheese and evenly layer tatertots on the top.
- Bake uncovered for roughly 60 minutes until hashbrowns are golden brown.
- Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions–if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Can You Freeze Tatertot Hotdish?
Absolutely! This tatertot hotdish makes an excellent freezer meal. Assemble it in a foil pan, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. When youโre ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directedโmaybe adding 10 extra minutes of cook time.
Tatertot Hotdish Is the Ultimate Midwestern Love Language
Itโs not fancy. Itโs not trendy. But tatertot casserole is warm, filling, and wildly nostalgic. Itโs the kind of dish you bring to someone after theyโve had a baby, lost a loved one, or just need a little pick-me-up.
If youโre a mama juggling schedules and supper all at once, this is the easy button. Itโs the hot dish recipe with hamburger that brings the whole table togetherโwithout the fuss.
FAQs About Tatertot Hotdish
Whatโs the difference between a hotdish and a casserole?
If youโre from the Midwest, hotdish and casserole are used interchangeably. But technically, a hotdish always includes a starch (like tatertots or noodles), a protein (like hamburger), and a creamy soup base.
Can I swap the soup?
Yep! Try cream of chicken or even a mix of mushroom and cheddar soup for extra cheesiness.
Is this toddler-friendly?
Yes! Our kids love thisโespecially with a little ketchup on the side.
Final Thoughts
If youโve been looking for a tatertot hotdish recipe thatโs mom-life-approved, freezer-friendly, and seriously comfortingโthis is the one.
Have you tried this? Let me know how your family liked it in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @lexienoelleundem with your hotdish creations!
And if you’re craving more comforting meals that feel like a hug from the inside out, check out these next:
15 Fresh and Easy Spring Salad Recipes
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