Ground Beef and Tater Tot Hotdish (Minnesota)

Hotdish, (pronounced hoddish), is an easy, one-dish dinner often served in Minnesota at such large gatherings as family reunions, potlucks or church suppers. Don't be turned off by its humble appearance; the combination of cream of mushroom soup, corn, green beans, beef and a delightful crispy potato topping (the more taters, the better!) is universally likeable.

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (~ 2 cups)
1 lb 80% lean ground beef
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
2 cups frozen cut green beans, thawed (8 oz)
1¾ cups frozen corn kernels, thawed (8 oz)
2 (10 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
1 lb frozen shredded potato nuggets

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Add the oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Add the beef to the onions and cook until the meat is brown, stirring and scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the yummy brown bits, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer the beef and onion mixture from the skillet into a 9x13” baking dish.

Scatter the green beans and corn evenly on top. Spread the cream of mushroom soup over top and top with frozen potato nuggets.

Bake uncovered for 1 hour; the potato nuggets should be golden brown.

Makes 8 servings.