Elegant Tater Tot Hotdish

Okay...so Tater Tot Hotdish isn't usually considered "elegant", but I think this recipe is extra rich and special because of the addition of butter and half and half. This is a favorite at our house, especially on a cold winter evening. And yes, I too live in the land of hotdishes...Minnesota!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1 (16 ounce) bag  frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, beans, and carrots)
• 10 3⁄4 ounces  cream of mushroom soup
• 10 3⁄4 ounces  cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (16 ounce) bag  tater tots
• 1  cup half-and-half cream
• 1⁄4 cup butter (1/2 stick, use the real thing, not margarine)

Directions

1. Brown the hamburger in a large skillet. Drain off any grease.
2. Into same pan, add the soups, butter, half & half, and the bag of vegetables.
3. Bring to a boil while stirring to mix all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour into a buttered casserole dish and top with the tater tots. You may not need all the tater tots, it depends on the casserole dish size.
5. Bake at 400 degrees until bubbly and the tater tots are crisp. about 30-35 minutes.
6. Enjoy -- even if you're not from Minnesota!