Hearty, Creamy, and Crisp on Top—A Clean Twist on a Midwest Favorite

Minnesota’s most iconic comfort food? Hotdish. And when it comes to the ultimate version, nothing beats a Tater Tot Hotdish—a creamy, savory casserole layered with seasoned meat, tender veggies, and golden tater tots baked to crispy perfection.

This clean version keeps the nostalgic flavor and satisfying texture but skips the canned soup and processed shortcuts. I first made this after a snowy day that just begged for something warm, cozy, and satisfying. The kids loved it, my husband went back for seconds, and I loved knowing it was made with real, whole ingredients.

Perfect for cold nights, busy weekdays, or anytime you need some good old-fashioned Midwest comfort with a healthy twist.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey

• 1½ cups frozen green beans or mixed veggies

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch or whole wheat flour

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-sodium chicken broth

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess)

• 3 cups frozen tater tots (look for clean-label options)

Instructions

1. Cook the Filling: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, and cook until browned.

2. Make It Creamy: Sprinkle in arrowroot or flour and stir to coat. Slowly add almond milk or broth and stir until thickened. Turn off heat and stir in Greek yogurt. Add frozen veggies and mix to combine.

3. Assemble the Hotdish: Transfer meat mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange tater tots evenly over the top.

4. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until tots are golden and filling is bubbly.

5. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Optional: sprinkle with fresh parsley or a light dusting of shredded cheddar.

Sarah’s Cozy Casserole Tips

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream in place of Greek yogurt.

• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for more color and nutrients.

• Make Ahead: Assemble in the morning and bake at dinnertime—great for busy days!

• Kid-Approved: The crispy tater top and creamy filling is always a hit with the little ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish is everything a comfort meal should be—warm, creamy, and crispy—but made clean with real, nourishing ingredients. It’s an easy, hearty weeknight win that tastes like home in every bite.

Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 6):
Calories: 370
Protein: 23g
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g