This hearty casserole is a classic comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The crispy tater tots on top pair perfectly with the savory ground beef and creamy filling.

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Back in the 50’s Tater Tots were born. Pasta took a backseat, and the Tater Tot Hot dish, as we know and love it, was created by the Minnesotans. This casserole became a staple at potlucks, church suppers, and family gatherings. It fueled community, bringing people together over a dish that was simple to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing.

Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350°F.

Next heat a large cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add beef and onions and brown it, stirring occasionally. Once the meat is browned stir in the garlic and cook for one minute.

Remove browned beef to a plate with a slotted spoon. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the beef fat, and then add 2 tablespoons of butter to the beef fat in the pan. Once butter is melted sprinkle the flour over the butter, whisking all the while. The mixture will be paste-like. Cook for a minute or two, until the mixture is browned and no longer has the flour taste.

Add Worcestershire to the skillet. Whisk and cook for 1 minute. Then slowly add the beef broth while you whisk and scrape the bottom of the skillet. Once this mixture is smoothed out, add the ground beef back into the skillet. Stir to incorporate. Cook until thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Then stir in half and half. Next add half of the cheese, and stir to incorporate. Taste the gravy, adjusting with additional salt and pepper if needed. Then top with the frozen tater tots.

Place skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, then remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Now place skillet back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You can then place skillet underneath the broiler for a few minutes, until the hot dish is bubbling and the tater tots and cheese are browned to your liking. Enjoy!

Recipe

Tater Tot Casserole – An Ole Time Favorite

1 1/4 lb. Ground Beef

1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt

1/4 tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 to 2 tbsp. Butter

1 c. Diced Yellow Onion

4 cloves (Large) Garlic, Minced

1/3 c. All-purpose Flour

1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

2 c. Beef Broth

1/2 c. Half and half

2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

2 lb. Frozen Tater Tots

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add beef and onions and brown it, stirring occasionally. Next add the garlic and cook an additional minute. Remove browned beef to a plate with a slotted spoon. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the beef fat, and then add 2 tablespoons of butter to the beef fat in the pan. Once butter is melted add garlic. Sprinkle the flour over the butter, whisking all the while. The mixture will be paste-like. Cook for a minute or two, until the mixture is browned and has lost its flour taste.

Add Worcestershire to the skillet. Whisk and cook for 1 minute. Then slowly add the beef broth while you whisk and scrape the bottom of the skillet. Once this mixture is smoothed out, add the ground beef. Stir to incorporate. Cook until thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Then stir in the half and half.  Next add half of the cheese, and stir to incorporate. Taste the gravy, adjusting with additional salt and pepper if needed. Level the mixture out in the skillet. Then top with frozen tater tots.

Place skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, then remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place the skillet back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Then place skillet underneath the broiler for a few minutes, until the hot dish is bubbling and the tater tots and cheese are browned to your liking.