Are you ready for a blast from the past? Tater Tot Casserole (or hot dish, if you’d rather) was a staple in our house as a kid. It was a staple in Brett’s house too. So like a responsible mother, I felt the need to reintroduce this classic to our kids! If you’ve never had Tater Tot Casserole, think Shepherds Pie, but with tater tots instead of mashed potatoes. It’s very similar.
When I told Brett I was shooting this recipe for the blog, he asked me why since it is such a simple recipe and something most people already know how to make. And then I explained that there was some interest from people in making it gluten and dairy free. Most recipes I have seen call for a cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup to hold everything together. Well, most of those I have seen in the store have gluten and dairy – which we aren’t able to do in our house. So I had to improvise and I wanted to share my recipe.
Making it gluten and dairy free
It all starts with the roux and making a few swaps. Instead of regular butter, I use dairy free butter and instead of flour, I use arrowroot (or cornstarch) to thicken it. I also add a 1/4 cup of milk and use an unsweetened oat milk. Almond milk would work too – something that doesn’t have a strong flavor like coconut milk. That’s it! Those simple swaps make it gluten and dairy free.
You can of course make it with regular milk and butter and flour too! I just really find joy in taking traditional or classic recipes and making them accessible for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for more gluten and dairy free recipes, you can make nearly all of our recipes with simple modifications.
Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion flakes (or 1/2 chopped onion)
- 4 Tbsp butter of choice (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot or cornstarch (flour works too)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 3 cups frozen mixed veggies
- 1/2 bag tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Start by browning ground beef in a large pot.
- Add seasoning and onion flakes. Stir to combine.
- Once browned, remove meat.
- Add in butter and melt over medium heat.
- Once melted, add arrowroot or cornstarch and whisk to combine.
- Add broth and milk and whisk until mixture thickens.
- Once thickened, add meat and veggies mixed back in.
- Pour into a sprayed 9 x 9 pan and then top with tater tots.
- Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown.
- Enjoy!
