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Steaming hot tater tot hotdish in a white ceramic baking dish, freshly baked with golden brown tots on top, sitting on a red and white checkered cloth in a rustic kitchen setting

How to Make Rick Nolan’s Hotdish Recipe at Home

sophie
Rick Nolan’s hotdish is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish, combining savory beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots. This recipe, rooted in Minnesota’s Midwest tradition, is easy to prepare and perfect for family meals, potlucks, and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Midwest
Servings 7
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or your preferred protein
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • Optional vegetables green beans, peas, or corn
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, then drain any excess grease.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with milk, and mix until smooth.
  • Layer the cooked beef in a 9x13-inch baking dish, then pour the soup mixture over it.
  • Add any optional vegetables, then top with a layer of frozen tater tots.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
  • Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk for a lactose-free option.
  • The hotdish can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
Keyword easy dinner recipe, family meal, hotdish, Midwest comfort food, Minnesota recipe, pierogi casserole, potluck dish, Rick Nolan hotdish recipe