Mouthwatering Tater Tot Casserole Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a Tater Tot Hotdish and a tater tot casserole? ›

But, while anything baked in a casserole can be called a casserole, the Midwestern preparation known as "hotdish" is much more specific. A hotdish always consists of meat, vegetables, a starch, and sauce—it's not a side dish, but an entire meal unto itself.

Excess Moisture: Not cooking down the onions or using frozen tater tots may cause extra moisture to be released as it cooks, making the casserole soggy.

To prevent frozen tater tots from becoming soggy while baking, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding them together can trap steam and lead to sogginess.

John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today. John Wayne Casserole was first popularized by the 1979 cookbook, "Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends," a collection of different celebrities' favorite dishes.

If you grew up in the Midwest or even if you're new to the area, chances are you've heard about the Minnesota tater tot hotdish. Hotdish is the unofficial state cuisine of Minnesota and a go-to for busy families.

Do you need to thaw the tater tots first? Tater tots are so easy to bake and you don't need to thaw them before baking!

Pro Tip: Avoid Dry Casserole.

The best way to prevent it from drying out is to add a little bit of water, around ¼ cup, to the top of it. Allow the water to seep between the food and the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture.

A longer cook time will cause the tots to shrink and dry out a little, which makes them even crispier all around on the outside with a potato-y center that's more dense and creamy.

This recipes takes the flavors of the classic tater tots & infuses that flavor into a much healthier alternative – shredded zucchini.

Yes, you can freeze tater tot casserole – but it's best to freeze it before cooking. Assemble the casserole according to the recipe but, instead of baking it, wrap the whole thing in storage wrap. Wrap it again in aluminum foil. Freeze the casserole for up to four months, then bake it according to the recipe.

What meat goes with tater tots? ›

Just pile tots and your favorite nacho toppings onto romaine lettuce. Add protein with shredded rotisserie chicken, or leftover chili or pulled pork.

But, your tater tot hamburger casserole shouldn't be watery or soupy! To ensure this doesn't happen, drain off any grease from the ground beef after you brown it. And be sure to drain the canned vegetables before combing them with the other ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove from the freezer and slice into 1 1/2-inch tots. Place on a parchment or silicon-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Do not overcook. When cooking smaller amounts, reduce cooking time. Convection: 425 °F cooking time: 8 to 12 minutes. Deep fry: 350 °F cooking time: 2-1/2 to 3 minutes.

Purpose: A casserole can serve any function, for example, a main dish, side dish, breakfast, or even dessert. A hot dish is a main meal only, as it (purportedly) contains all the nutrients one needs in a hearty meal. Well, there you have it folks.

According to Eater, the elements that are absolutely necessary to include in hotdish are a starch, protein, and vegetable bound together by a creamy sauce, usually cream of mushroom soup. It's all baked in one dish and served piping hot.

Only a Midwestern staple for which every home cook has a go-to recipe waiting in their back pocket. A hotdish is essentially a casserole that typically consists of a starch (potatoes or pasta are most common), frozen vegetables, a meat, and a can of cream-of-something soup.