The delicious tater tot hotdish

It's something all Minnesotans grew up eating; and if they didn't I question whether or not they were a true Minnesotan.

I can recall eating this dish a lot as a kid; and I now make it for my family.

The recipe has been handed down from generation to generation.

Although I have never seen an actual, physical recipe, because my family always made it from memory, there are variations of it in existence. A quick search on the internet for tater tot hotdish shows numerous recipes.

Of course, my family's is the best.

Some may want to call it tater tot casserole, but in Minnesota it has always been called hot dish; and probably always will be. This dish is so popular in Minnesota, I have seen it listed on menus and served in Minnesotan restaurants.

Growing up, I just thought it was something quick, easy and delicious my mom made. I had no idea I was apart of something much bigger. I never knew the whole state was on the same page. Wow.

Now that I think about it, who wouldn't like tater tot hotdish? It has tater tots, hamburger, some vegetables and cheese. Not only are the ingredients easy to find and usually on hand, it is easy to make. I can see why this was such a staple in our home growing up.

On a small dairy farm, there were always so many chores to do. With this recipe my mom was able to cover the veggie, meat and dairy categories all in one dish.

If this sounds great, give it a try for yourself; and it will become a go-to meal in your homes also.

So without further ado, here's the cherished recipe and instructions or at least how I remember them. Enjoy.

Tater Tot Hotdish

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef (I use lean)

1/4 c. chopped onions (optional)

1 lb. tater tots (you may not use them all)

1 10.5 can cream of mushroom soup

1 14 oz can of mixed vegetable or 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables

1 cup of cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

While the oven is heating up, grease a 13x9 baking dish. Mix the ground beef and onion. Spread it on bottom of the greased baking dish. Drain the liquid off of the canned vegetables; and mix them with the cream of mushroom soup. Spread the mixture over the hamburger.

Next, arrange a layer of tater tots on top of the vegetable mixture.

Bake uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Take it out of the oven; and sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and serve.