Sunday, October 16, 2011

Duggar's Tater Tot Casserole

The Duggars are famous for their tater tot casserole! If you would like to give it a try, here's the recipe. Enjoy, and let us know how you like it!

Tater Tot Casserole
(One of Jim Bob’s Favorites!)

Ingredients: 
  • 2 lb ground turkey cooked, seasoned, drained
  • 3-2lb bags tater tots
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom (21-1/2 oz total)
  • 2 cans evaporated milk (24 oz total)
  • 2 cans cream of chicken (21-1/2 oz total)
Directions:
  1. Brown meat, and place in large casserole dish. 
  2. Cover with tater tots. Mix soup and milk together. 
  3. Pour over top. Bake at 350 for 1 Hour.
*Makes 2-9”X13” pans (about 16 servings)
Recipe can be cut in half. 



Find more delicious Duggar recipes on our Recipes page!

107 comments:

  1. My family and I make this all the time! We love it!

    Rock On Duggars!

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  2. I made this for the first time last night. It was very tasty!

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  3. I have made this before and it is delicious.

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  4. I made this a couple weeks ago for the first time. I remember one of the older girls saying when they make this they usually let it sit for a few minutes before serving because that makes it less liquid-y. Worked like a charm! Also my hubs loves cheese so per his request I topped it with cheddar in the last 5 mins of cooking. YUM!

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  5. Can I use Hash brown instead of tater Tots ? Cause I'm in Singapore and Tater tots are uncommon. I can just cut the hash browns into smaller pieces... ?

    Other than Turkey, what type of meats are good replacement ? Since Chicken can get real hard sometimes. pork ? or beef?

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    Replies
    1. I use hamburger and you can add spices if you want to dpice it up s bit..I only used cream of mushroom soup..then another time added canned mushrooms(sliced)and top with shredded cheese..I would just leave the hashbrowns as they ate because they will cook down and easily come apart..don't over due with too many though..good luck!;)

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    2. Instead of Turkey, mild pork sausage. And it sounds weird, but I don't use cream of mushroom. Only cream of chicken. You can make many slight changes to this recipe easily to suit your tastes. I also like to add sauteed onion and celery. You can make it a breakfast casserole by subbing the turkey for ground sausage. Leave out the soups and add country gravy and scrambled eggs.

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    3. I use ground beef all the time and it's really yummy

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    4. Ground beef, Cream of Mushroom, & Tomato works well
      Ground beef, Cream of Mushroom, & A can of Enchilada Sauce
      also, super yummy. Have served both ways.

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  6. Hi Gan Jia Hao!

    You can definitely use hash browns. It's all about personal preference. One of our readers uses hamburger meat, another uses chicken breast, another ground turkey, and we have heard of someone using hash browns.

    Hope this helps! Let us know what you end up using and how it turns out :)

    We are honored to have you as a reader!
    ~Lily and Ellie

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  7. This recipe is more yummy when you put cheese on top and you replace ground turkey with ground sausage! My family loves this.

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  8. Hi I'm from Scotland and love all the Duggar's. I've just one question "what are tator tots"

    thanks

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    Replies
    1. Tator tots are potato nuggets made of lightly spiced, compacted, partially fried, and frozen potatoes. Crispy and tasty when baked..

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  9. Hi Anonymous!

    Tater tots are a side dish made from deep-fried potatoes. They are a commercial form of hash browns and are typically found in the frozen section at the grocery store.

    We are glad to have you as a reader!
    Lily and Ellie

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  10. This may be a silly question, but do u cook the tater tots first?

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    Replies
    1. I alway fry my tater tots before I make because they have a raw potato taste if you add them frozen

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  11. Hi Anonymous!

    That's not a silly question at all. You don't cook the tater tots first. Just add them frozen.

    Thanks for reading!
    Lily and Ellie

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  12. I noticed that the recipe makes two trays. If I want to make just 1 tray, would that only require half the ingredients?

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  13. I have the same question since it is just me & my husband there is no way we will eat that much.

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  14. Hi Anonymous!

    You could definitely try cutting the recipe in half. There's no reason why it wouldn't work.

    Hope this helps!
    Lily and Ellie

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  15. I halved the recipe tonight. It turned out great! I also added cheese the last 5 min. It was yum!

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  16. What size cans are they talking about?

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  17. Hi Anonymous! (at 2:18 PM on Dec 5)

    Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom generally come in 10-3/4 oz cans (21-1/2 oz total of each). Evaporated milk usually comes in 12-oz cans (24 oz total).

    Thanks for reading! Let us know how you like the recipe!
    Lily and Ellie

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  18. I'm a single mom also raising my two young grandsons and its been a struggle but they absolutely love this dish and its not costly....

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  19. How many does the recipes feed?

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  20. Hi Anonymous! (at 6:33 PM)

    It makes 2-9"x13" pans, which translates into about 16 servings. If you are cooking for a smaller number of people, you can cut the recipe in half (or just have leftovers).

    Hope this helps!
    Lily and Ellie

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  21. I don't have a question but am watching reruns of the show where the family is answering questions about themselves. This is the firs time I've watched and I have to say, you guys are wonderful! I'll put the Tator tot casserole on the menu for next week. Sounds interesting! Keep up the good work ladies!!

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  22. Can this casserole be made ahead of time and then frozen? Thanks!

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  23. Hi Anonymous (at 7:46 PM),

    The casserole can most definitely be prepared ahead of time and frozen. We recommend freezing it uncooked and throwing it in the oven just before serving.

    Bon appetit!
    ~Lily and Ellie

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  24. Hi can regular whole milk be used instead of evaprorated milk? Or will it not come out the same?

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  25. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous,

    "To produce 1 cup of evaporated milk, simmer 2-1/4 cups of regular milk down until it becomes 1 cup.

    In many recipes, evaporated milk may also be replaced with a combination of whole milk and half-and-half. For 1 cup of evaporated milk, use 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup half-and-half." You can read more at http://cookingquestions.myrecipes.com/2011/05/what-can-i-substitute-for-evaporated-milk.html.

    Have a great weekend!
    Lily and Ellie

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  26. Hi! I just tried your recipe for the first time and we love it! My husband suggested I put onions and green peppers in it as well as the cheddar cheese at the end. I just want to tell you it's fabulous! Such a versatile recipe! Thanks for sharing with us!
    Ellie from Palm City, Florida

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  27. Add cheese on top after its done cooking gives a good taste luv this...

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  28. When you say "seasoned", what spices do you use?

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  29. @Sharon

    Hi Sharon,

    Taco seasoning works well.

    Happy cooking!
    Lily and Ellie

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  30. I was just watching this episode and they made it and it looked so good but reading the comments I like the cheese on top since my son and I love cheese! I will be trying this one this week.

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  31. Love, love, LOVE the duggars! Such polite, well spoken and mannered kids. Amazingly impressed. Also, every episode I've seen with the tator tot casseroles, my mouth waters lol. Thank u for the recipe and duggar's,...keep trucking! All families, and humans, should take note.

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  32. Any other recommendations besides taco seasoning? My husband would love this but he really doesn't like the spices in tacos. Something a little blander maybe. I love him but he's kinda boring :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi. For years I have made a very similar recipe that came about after a part with lots of left overs. After browning ground beef or turkey drain well, add a can of Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce and mix well. I then place in casserole pan and put a layer of cheese (we like Mexican blend) on before tater tots bake and put another later of cheese on 5 minutes before dinner. The cheers helps the tater tots stick to the meat.

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  33. What could I use in place of the cream of mushroom? My boyfriend won't eat mushroom anything. Could I just double the cream of chicken?

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  34. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous,

    You can try doubling the cream of chicken. One reader also mentioned using cream of celery.

    Hope this helps!
    Lily and Ellie

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  35. Curiosity finally got the best of us and we had to try it :) It gets a thumbs up, but hubs and I decided you could get pretty much the same results by adding ground beef to scalloped or au gratin potatoes. We also topped with cheddar.

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  36. I tried this recipe for the first time tonight, i added roasted garlic, mushrooms, green beans and corn to the meat to add vegetables into the dish, as well as grated cheese on top, and my family loved it! I think it's a new familY favorite! ;-)

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  37. @Anonymous instead of cream of mushroom, my family uses canned cheddar cheese soup. Yum!

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  38. Replies
    1. Anything you wish! I'd lean towards veggies or fruits. That said, it is a casserole and there's not much required for side dishes. You could even throw your veggies into the casserole... carrots, peas, green beans, and corn are some great ideas of veggies that would taste great in this dish! Then maybe add a fruity dessert. Yum!

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  39. I also used cheddar cheese soup instead of mushroom! Its baking I can't wait! I'm serving with garlic texas toast :)

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  40. My family totally hates mushrooms any suggestions for substitutes.

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  41. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous,

    You can try doubling the cream of chicken. One reader also mentioned using cream of celery, and another substituted cheddar cheese soup.

    Happy Cooking!
    Lily and Ellie

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  42. My husband was very sceptical about trying out this recipe, but as I have followed the Duggars for years, I really wanted to try it. We had it for dinner tonight and it was fantastic!!! So yummy! Thanks for the recipe I am sure it will become a frequent meal in our house!

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  43. Making this tonight! ITs in the oven right now! so easy. I just steam some broccoli on the side and Ouila! dinner is served!

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  44. Just wondering if this could be made and frozen so it can just be thrown in the oven later?

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  45. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous,

    It sure can! Enjoy :)

    ~Lily and Ellie

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  46. Making tonite and using taco seasoning! Can't wait last time it was kinda bland( had no idea what seasonings to try) cannot wait! Yummy! Love the Duggars and wish I could have a huge family and make it work the wonderful way they do!

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  47. What do they season the meat with when they make it?

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  48. I love Tater Tot Casserole! I learned to make it almost a decade ago when me and my then boyfriend (now husband) moved into our first apartment. It's very cheap to make! Our recipe is a little different, but almost the same.
    1lb ground beef seasoned w/salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
    1 can cream of mushroom
    1/2 cup of milk
    1/2 bag of frozen cut green beans
    Pour into a casserole dish and stack tater tots on top, bake according to directions on the bag of tater tots. We still love it and now our two little boys do, too!

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  49. Trying For the first time tonight, cant wait to see if its as yummy as everyone says

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  50. When I make it I will add a can of corn, drained or green beans. My family loves this! Thanks Duggars.

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  51. My sons a chef and he wanted me to get the recpe to try this week Julzz from Australia

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  52. Thank You! Going to give it a try. My 10 year is always asking me to make it.

    Blessed be!

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  53. I have fixed a modifed version a few times, based on what I have on hand, and it turns out great every time. I have one large glass bakeing dish, so what ever fits in that is what I use.
    The most recent version of this was made useing small square hashbrown potatoes, and taco seasoning for the meat.
    * I buy meat in bulk, pre cook, and freeze in smaller UNSEASONED portions. The meat taste the same when I season it after defrosting. This way you can use the meat for whatever recipe you want.
    Blessings,
    Brandy

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  54. Can you substitute the soups for anything else? They contain MSG and we cannot cook or have any of that in our food.

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  55. @Shannon Rowland

    Hi Shannon,

    Amy's, Pacific Natural Foods, and Health Valley Organic are a few examples of brands that make cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups without MSG. You can purchase them online or at your local health food store, such as Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.

    ~Lily and Ellie

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  56. We tried it and didn't like it. Didn't taste too good, we won't try it again.

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  57. add green beans any variety works

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  58. I love Tater Tot Casserole, at first when i saw it i was wondering what Tater Tots were, but i soon realised when i saw them that they are what we have in Australia, we call them Potato Gems.

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  59. Made this twice, ground beed seasoned with french onion soup and topped with cheddar cheese! It's a hit everytime! :) thanks for posting the recipe!

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  60. I add cheese then crispy onions on top so yummy

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  61. I have made this twice for our Alpha course at church and have gotten compliments on it. some have even asked for the recipe.

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  62. So excited to try this tonight :) Love the duggers. Your an inspiration to so many :) God bless you and your family!!

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  63. We put taco seasoning after we get the grease out of the hamburger and it gives it such a good flavor and not so plain. My husband loves it.

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  64. My family uses ground beef, we use the called for amounts of the beef and soul mixture but not quite the full amount of tots. We put the beef and then the soup, we top it with the tots and cook to the tator tot directions, they end up nice and crispy. This all makes one big glass pan, I want to say it's a 15x9 pan, and it feeds our family of six very well.

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  65. I used ground beef and added onion while it was cooking, also added green beans to the beef. We love cheese so I added a layer of colby jack between the beef and tater tots with a layer on top of the tots. This is a keeper!!

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  66. We make this all the time. But use ground beef instead of chicken and only cream of mushroom soup no cream of chicken. And we top with cheddar cheese.

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  67. I LOVE this dish!! I make it frequently with a few adjustments. I use either ground beef or ground turkey, whatever we have. I prefer the turkey actually since it's less calories and not greasy. when the meat is done cooking I stir in some frozen veggies. Peas and carrots are best I think. In place of the evaporated milk I just use 1 cup of whole milk and it works very well :) I also cut the recipe in half and stir it all once it is done baking to evenly distribute the sauce.

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  68. This hands down is the BEST tater tot casserole out there. The only change we make is we add cheddar cheese on top! We love cheese here! LOL

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  69. Love the show..don't know how they do it with "19" I'm raising my 2 nephews.my children are grown ,3 boys. I am making it as i type ,can't wait. I am going to use cheese on top. Will be trying more money saving Duggar recipes.thank you all for the show .God bless all of you. Thank you
    ANGELA K.PATRICK.

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  70. Can I combine veggies and the meat? That's what I tjink when I hear tator tot casserole. But I've never heard pouring the sauce on top. May have to try this recipe.

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  71. @Virginia Irving

    Hi Virgina,

    This recipe would be great with veggies. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out. :)

    ~Lily and Ellie

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  72. @Lily and Ellie Personally, I've done it both ways and find it turns out best if they're warm before you add the meat and sauce. I just put them in the oven while it's preheating and the meat is browning. :-)

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  73. @Anonymous

    Thanks for reporting back! We will have to give it a try. :)

    ~Lily and Ellie

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  74. Making it for the first time tonight. Also adding the shredded cheese on top like many others mentioned. Can't wait til the timer goes off & dinner is ready! Love watching the Duggars on Netflix, and think that the children are very respectful, and intelligent.

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  75. Going to make this tomorrow night. Thinking I will add cheese and bacon bits on top. :-)

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  76. There tataer tots are the same as our version of croquettes in England. Will be trying tataer tot casserole this weekend, love the show if I can't watch it when it's on then I record it and watch it later love the show and watching the show makes my day thank you very much for letting us into your lifes and family

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  77. Would teenagers like this?

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  78. @betty

    Hi Betty,

    It depends on personal preference, but the Duggar teenagers definitely like it. :)

    ~Lily and Ellie

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  79. That family is gross! They had a plan to have all those kids so they could get on TV and get money!!!!!!! And they don't even watch TV. How dark age is that?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Who are you to judge? These people take better care of 19 than most parents of 1 child. They love God, they love people. And are charitable. What do you do for your community?

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  80. Just made this for the 1st time tonight and it was sooooo good! Thanks for sharing! Anymore good recipes????

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  81. I commend you and your family.......I, myself, am one of 21 siblings. (Most through foster and adoption) And my parents are in their 70s and retired and some of us live here, in Philadelphia, but some of us are spread out through the rest of the country, So I understand and appreciate the dynamics of a large family!
    Amy S.
    Philadelphia, PA

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  82. I love the Duggars and this recipe! Keep on trucking in the Lord! ;)

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  83. My casserole is in the oven as we speak. I seasoned my 1lb of ground turkey with Ms. Dash and Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Salt. I sautéed one onion in butter, also seasoned, and poured that over the top of the seasoned and browned ground turkey. I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms, so I used cream of onion instead. Durning the last 10 minutes of the hour, I'm planning to top it off with shredded sharp cheddar. Thank you for this recipie, I was happy to add a few personal touches, and I can't wait to give it a taste!

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  84. Love this recipe! My family really likes it and when we are looking for something filling and easy it's always a family favorite! Thank you and God Bless!

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  85. Why do you have to brown the hamburger meat first before putting it in the casserole and cooking it? Won't baking it for an hour cook the meat enough anyway?

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  86. We made the vegan version of this tonight. We used ground crumbles at the bottom, made our own subs for the condensed soups and made evaporated coconut milk from coconut milk powder. We'll let you know how it turns out!

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  87. I'm from Minnesota, where we call this Tater Tot HotDish. I have been making this for 40 years. The original recipe included tater tots mixed in with meat mixture and the tater tots break up that way. We also add a 16 oz package of frozen mixed veggies. I have mixed 1 can of cream of mushroom & one can of cream of chicken. I always use ground beef. Top with whole tater tots. I have never used cheese, sounds good, but just not what I am used to. Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic dish.

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  88. I make it with beef with sauteed onions and fresh minced garlic and I use cream of celery instead of chicken and mushroom. sometimes i add water to the soup milk mix to allow penetration into the meat before cooking when drizzling it on top.

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  89. we don't want the show to be taken off the air for someing that happened 14 years ago /how do we keep this from happening / besidesa you saw that he got help for this thank u carollee more

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  90. I used Morningstar Grillers crumbles (for my vegetarian husband) with Cream of Mushroom and Broccoli Cheese soup, and it's amazing. Thank you for this recipe.

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  91. I make this all the time it's awesome and cheap and it lasts for days it becomes work lunches and all my coworkers ask for the recipe I usually add a side of peas for veg it mixes well

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  92. I have been making this for years now--since I heard about it on the show. It's a family favorite!!! God Bless

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  93. Been making their tater got casserole for years and it's still one of my favorites!

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  94. The recipe says seasoned ground meat. What seasonings do y'all use? I'm thinking of trying The Cooking Trinity (onions, green pepper and celery) and/or Lipton Onion Soup Mix. I have not made it yet.

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