In the Midwest (particularly Minnesota), Tater Tot Casserole is also known by the colloquial name of “hotdish.” It’s basically a beef, corn, and cheese casserole topped with tater tots for a dish that’s big on nostalgic comfort. What’s great is that you can easily share this comfort with others who might need it as the Tater Tot Casserole freezes and reheats well. Share a big scoop of warmth with a loved one in need.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
- 3/4 pound ground beef, 90% lean
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of celery soup
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 cups frozen cut green beans, thawed
- 2 cups Colby-Jack cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Grease two 11×7-inch oven-safe dishes.
Step 3 –In a Dutch oven, cook the sausage, the beef, and the onions over medium-high heat until the sausage and the beef are no longer pink.
Step 4 –Drain the excess liquid.
Step 5 –Add the soup, the corn, the beans, 1 cup of the cheese, the garlic powder, the milk, the seasoned salt, and the cayenne to the beef mixture.
Step 6 –Add the beef mixture evenly to the prepared dishes.
Step 7 –Top each of the beef mixtures evenly with the tater tots.
Step 8 –Top the casseroles with the remaining cheese.
Step 9 –Cover and bake the casseroles for about 40 minutes.
Step 10 –Uncover and continue baking until the cheese is bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 11 –You can cover one or both of the casseroles and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Step 12 –To use the stored frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 13 –Remove the dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking it. Bake for 50 minutes covered in a preheated 350 degrees F.
Step 14 –Uncover the dish and bake it until it is bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 15 –Serve hot.
