Description
This Gluten-Free Tater Tot Casserole (classic Hotdish) is the ultimate comfort food. It features a savory layer of ground beef and vegetables in a creamy homemade sauce (no canned soup needed!), topped with a generous layer of melted cheese and crispy golden tater tots. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
— The Filling —
1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
½ yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, green beans) or just frozen green beans
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
— The Creamy Sauce (No Condensed Soup!) —
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
1 ½ cups beef broth (ensure gluten-free)
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce or tamari (adds savory depth)
— The Topping —
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots (Check labels! Ore-Ida is widely considered GF, but always verify)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the minced garlic, frozen vegetables, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
4. Now, make the sauce: In the same skillet (no need to wash it), melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in the beef broth and cream (or milk) while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the tamari/soy sauce.
7. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens into a gravy-like consistency.
8. Pour the thickened sauce evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Gently stir slightly to ensure the meat is coated.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
10. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the cheese/meat mixture. (You can line them up neatly or just toss them on).
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the tots are golden brown and crispy.
12. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tots and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
13. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving (this helps the sauce set). Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Gluten Free Safety: Tater tots are a high-risk ingredient. While many major brands (like Ore-Ida) are gluten-free, some generic brands use wheat flour to crisp the potatoes. Always read the label.
Sauce Shortcut: If you prefer using canned soup, you can substitute the homemade sauce steps with 1 can of ‘Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup’ mixed with ½ cup of milk.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (meat and sauce layers) up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then add the frozen tots right before baking (add 5-10 minutes to cook time if baking from cold).
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter, almond milk/beef broth for the liquid, and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 890
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 75