Hotdish

Description:

The origins of hotdish are believed to go back to the Great Depression, when rural Minnesotans needed to feed their families affordably, using canned foods and limited amounts of meat. The necessary components of an authentic hotdish are the following: protein, vegetable, starch, sauce and crispy topping. Today, this casserole is still popular in Minnesota, as well as in other surrounding Midwest states. This recipe is the most popular preparation of the dish, but other variations exist using different ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vegetable oil (6 ml)

• 1 lb ground beef (450 g)

• 2 small cans cream of mushroom soup

• 1 bag frozen tater tots

• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables such as corn, carrots, peas or green beans (150 g)

• Salt & pepper

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180 C). Heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat and brown the ground beef. Season to taste with salt & pepper, then add the beef to a baking dish without the excess grease from the pan. Sprinkle the vegetables over the beef, then pour over the 2 cans of soup and spread over top evenly. Arrange the tater tots evenly over the top of the casserole, then bake for 30 minutes.

Notes: