College living? Newly married? Small children? Often there are times in life when you need a meal that is quick, and cheap, and still yummy. Enter the tator tot hot dish.
This is one of Cooper’s favorites. Often I ask the family what they would like to eat during the following week, and the hubbler will say – something easy, like a casserole. Casseroles are indeed a lovely option – usually one pot, usually makes a large quantity, usually reheats well – perfect for making on a Sunday for eating during a busy week. But they often contain cheese – and that is not an option for our youngest son. SO – this is a perfect casserole for him – no cheese! (But cheese can be added if you want and would kick it up a notch.)
This casserole – or hot dish, depending on where you come from – has it all. Meat, veg and potatos. Like most casseroles, it is very forgiving – have a few more veggies than called for? No prob – throw them in. Have cream of celery or cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup in the pantry – close your eyes and pick one. It will still taste good. Make a large batch and freeze half. This is a very versatile dish.
So – the original recipe comes from the Tasty Kitchen cooking site. Here is how we make it on a typical day.
Heat oven to 350 while you get ready.
Chop a large onion, or a couple of medium ones, and a clove or 2 of garlic. Saute in a little olive oil in a large skillet until soft, throwing in the garlic at the last minute.
Toss in a 2.25 lb package of ground beef. Brown the meat and then drain well.
While browning, empty a 26 oz package of frozen mixed vegetables into a large casserole dish – 11 X 13 glass will work. Or 2 smaller ones if that is all that is on hand.
Once the meat is well drained, return to heat and add 2 cans of cream of _____ soup. Cream of mushroom, celery, chicken – they all work well. Stir the mix until well combined and then put in a teaspoon to a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in – according to your taste – and give a final stir.
Then I pour this mix over the frozen vegetables stirring it in a little at a time until all combined.
Then top the mixture with tator tots. I have used the traditional tots, the potato crowns, and mini tator tots – you just want to cover the surface. I use the 28 oz mini tator tot bag – but the bigger tator tots require less work spreading.
Bung the casserole in the oven for 45 minutes and viola – an easy, veggie laden, one dish meal that can last a few days. Or not, depending on which 15 year old is at the table and with which friends.
Shopping list: Large onion, garlic cloves, 2.25 lb ground beef, 2 cans cream of ___ soup, 26 oz frozen mix veg (we use beans, carrots, peas) and a 28 oz bag of mini tator tots or equivalent.
Lamb Family Favorite Recipes 