Curing hot dish phobia

Jon is a hot dish hater.

Or so he says.

Really, he only dislikes Minnesota Goulash hot dish. It's generally made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, canned tomatoes, corn, and sometimes topped with cheddar cheese. When he hears hot dish that is the image that comes to mind.

I made tater tot hot dish tonight for dinner. He came into the kitchen and said, "Mmm, it smells really good!" I had to laugh when he squealed "OH tater tots, YUM!"

He asked for the leftovers for his lunch....This seems to be the case more often than not when I make hot dishes.

I have two versions I make, a basic down-home version and a more company friendly version. I will list both. My hot dish hater loves them both. Enjoy!

Here's to you and your culinary adventures, friend. Cheers!

Classic Tater Tot Hot dish
Serves 4

1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/3 cup milk
3/4 lb ground beef
1/4 cup diced onion
1/3 cup cheddar cheese
1 small can corn, drained
tater tots
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400.

Brown beef and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Add corn to beef.

Spray a casserole dish. Pour in beef mixture.

Stir together soup and milk. Pour over beef. Top with cheese.

Arrange tater tots over all.

Bake, uncovered, about 35 minutes or until tots are golden brown.

Let set 5-10 minutes before serving.


Company Tater Tot Hot dish
Serves 4

1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 small onion, diced
garlic salt and pepper to taste
1 small can corn, drained
1/8 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup skim milk
1 1/2 oz shredded sharp provolone cheese
3/4 oz grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Tater Tots

Preheat oven to 400.

Brown beef, onion, and Worcestershire sauce together. Season with garlic salt and pepper to taste. Add corn. Spread into a prepared casserole dish.

Combine flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in the same skillet the beef was browned in over medium-high heat. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add provolone and Parmesan, stirring until cheese melts.

Pour over beef and corn mixture.

Arrange tater tots over the top.

Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden brown.

Let set for 5 minutes before serving.