tater tot hotdish recipe with cream of chicken

Written ByEmma Smyth Updated on
tater tot hotdish recipe with cream of chicken

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The Best tater tot hotdish recipe with cream of chicken

Iā€™ve been making tater tot hotdish with cream of chicken soup for years, and itā€™s one of those recipes that just never gets old. Itā€™s simple, filling, and always a hit with my familyā€”especially the kids, who ask for seconds before theyā€™ve even finished their first serving. Thereā€™s something about the crispy tater tots on top, the creamy sauce, and the ground beef that makes it feel like comfort food without being overly heavy. Itā€™s the kind of dish I can throw together on a busy weeknight or bring to a potluck when I need something thatā€™ll please a crowd.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it with ground turkey instead of beef if you want something a little lighter, or add in some frozen veggies to sneak in some extra nutrients. The cream of chicken soup gives it that rich, savory flavor without needing a ton of extra ingredients, and the tater tots bake up golden and crispy every time. Itā€™s a balanced meal in one panā€”protein, carbs, and a little veggie action if you toss some inā€”and it reheats well, so leftovers are just as good the next day.

Click here for: stove top chicken recipe casserole

My kids love it because itā€™s familiar and easy to eat, and I love it because itā€™s a no-fuss meal that still feels like I put in some effort. Itā€™s not fancy, but thatā€™s the point. This is the kind of dish that makes weeknights easier and gatherings more relaxed. Plus, itā€™s budget-friendly, which is always a win. If youā€™re looking for a recipe thatā€™s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser, this tater tot hotdish is it.
Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Cream of Chicken

Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Cream of Chicken

4.7 from 1340 votes

A comforting Midwestern casserole featuring crispy tater tots, ground beef, and a creamy chicken soup base. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

šŸ„˜Ingredients

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ³Directions

  1. 1 Preheat your oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) and lightly grease a 9Ɨ13-inch baking dish.
  2. 2 In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. 3 Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  4. 4 Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
  5. 5 Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  6. 6 Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
  7. 7 Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  8. 8 Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  9. 9 Let the hotdish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

šŸ”§Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9Ɨ13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Oven

šŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

šŸ”„Calories: 420 kcalšŸ§ˆTotal Fat: 24gšŸ’›Saturated Fat: 9gā¤ļøCholesterol: 60mgšŸ§‚Sodium: 950mgšŸŒ¾Total Carbs: 35gšŸ„¦Dietary Fiber: 3gšŸ¬Sugars: 3gšŸ„©Protein: 18g

šŸ“Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp of garlic powder or onion powder to the beef mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey for the beef or use a low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce sodium content. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Cream of Chicken Works

This tater tot hotdish with cream of chicken is one of those recipes that just works every time. Itā€™s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and always gets cleaned off the plateā€”whether itā€™s a weeknight dinner or a potluck with family. I love that itā€™s comforting, filling, and something everyone, from kids to grandparents, will actually eat without complaint.

Click here for: baked chicken recipe cream of mushroom soup

ā“ Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Hotdish with Cream of Chicken

1. Can I use a different type of cream soup instead of cream of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute cream of chicken with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of potato soup. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but the dish will still be delicious. For a lighter option, you can also use a low-fat or homemade version of the soup.

2. How do I make this tater tot hotdish ahead of time?

To make it ahead, assemble the hotdish (without baking) and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10ā€“15 minutes to the cooking time since it will start cold. Alternatively, you can bake it fully, refrigerate, and reheat covered at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) until warmed through.

3. Can I freeze tater tot hotdish?

Yes, tater tot hotdish freezes well! For best results, assemble the dish (unbaked) in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed (adding extra time if needed). You can also freeze leftovers after bakingā€”just reheat in the oven at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) until heated through.

4. What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?

To boost flavor, try adding: ā€“ Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce. ā€“ Veggies: SautĆ©ed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. ā€“ Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage. ā€“ Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or a mix of cheeses on top before baking. ā€“ Toppings: Crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions for extra crunch.

5. Why did my tater tots turn out soggy?

Soggy tater tots usually happen if: ā€“ The dish was overfilled with liquid (reduce the soup or add a little less milk). ā€“ The casserole wasnā€™t baked long enough (ensure the tots are golden and crispy on top). ā€“ It was covered while baking (bake uncovered for the last 10ā€“15 minutes to crisp them up). ā€“ The dish was overcrowded (use a larger pan if needed to allow air circulation).

Hi, Iā€™m Emma, the creator of Tasty Chicken Recipes, where I share my favorite chicken dishes and simple recipes anyone can make at home. I love experimenting with flavors and helping fellow food lovers cook delicious chicken meals with ease. šŸ—āœØ

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