Tater Tot Hotdish
- 1 pound white button mushrooms, quartered
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons table salt
- 1.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1.5 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 bag of frozen tater tots (enough to cover the casserole)
The Classic Tater Tot Hotdish is a hearty and comforting casserole that is a staple in Midwestern cuisine, particularly popular in states like Minnesota. This savory dish features a layer of seasoned ground beef mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce, typically made from cream of mushroom soup, which provides a rich and umami flavor. The meat mixture is topped with a layer of crispy tater tots that turn golden brown when baked. The casserole may also include vegetables such as corn or green beans, which are mixed in with the beef for added nutrition and color. This easy-to-prepare meal is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in and is known for its homestyle comfort and simplicity. Description by ChatGPT.
Dive into the heart of Midwestern comfort food with our homemade Tater Tot Hotdish. Loved throughout Minnesota and neighboring regions, this casserole is a staple for family gatherings and church suppers. Instead of using the traditional can of cream soup, our recipe features a home-crafted cream of mushroom base, giving this classic dish a fresh, savory twist. Let's make a tater tot-topped delight that's a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound white button mushrooms, quartered
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons table salt
- 1.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1.5 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 bag of frozen tater tots (enough to cover the casserole)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your mushrooms — slicing each into quarter-inch pieces. Place them into a Dutch oven along with your chopped onion.
2. To the pot, add your fresh thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. No need to add any oil or butter yet, as the beef will render its fat.
3. Add the 85% lean ground beef to the pot. Turn on your heat to medium-high and break the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until the liquid from the beef and mushrooms has evaporated, roughly 25 minutes.
4. Once the liquid has evaporated, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring it in. Cook for one minute to create a rough roux with the meat's juices and fat, making sure the flour loses its raw taste.
5. Deglaze the pot by adding the chicken broth and whole milk. Stir well to lift any fond (the brown bits) from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another three minutes until it starts to slightly thicken.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy, mushroomy base for your casserole.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the mushroom and beef mixture cools slightly.
8. In a casserole dish, spread the mushroom and beef mixture in an even layer. Then, top with frozen tater tots in a single, snug layer, covering the surface.
9. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and then serve hot to your eagerly waiting guests.
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Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Equipment: Dutch oven, casserole dish
Cooking Tips: For an even creamier texture, you can sprinkle additional cheese on top of the tater tots before baking.
Servings: 6-8
This delightful recipe is inspired by America's Test Kitchen. For further details on this recipe and more, visit their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericasTestKitchen
Hashtags: #casserole #comfortfood #homemade #midwestcuisine #familymeal #taterhotdish #hearty #cheesy #americastestkitchen #chatgpt
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