Go Back

Ground Turkey Tater Tot Casserole

A quick and enjoyable supper that can be made every night of the week is this ground turkey tater tot dish. A tasty turkey and veggie mixture, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots top this satisfying and reasonably priced dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time1 hour 5 minutes
cool the filling20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Ground Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
Yield: 6

Materials

  • 1 tablespoon Oil use a neutral oil with a high smoke point we use canola oil
  • 1 Pound Ground Turkey Use lean ground turkey but not turkey breast, we use 85/15
  • 1 Small Onion finely diced
  • 2-3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 10½ ounce can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 6 ounces Frozen Mixed Vegetables defrosted cooked to about half the recommended time on the package
  • cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese divided
  • 14-16 ounces Frozen Tater Tots

Instructions

  • Additionally, you'll need: Cooking spray and a 10-by-8-inch, roughly 2-quart casserole dish
  • In a large, deep nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and ground turkey. Mix everything together and spread it out in a single layer.
  • Cook the seasoned ground turkey for three to five minutes, or until it is browned and the liquid has evaporated. Use a wood spoon or spatula to break up any large bits and stir occasionally.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring regularly, for two to three minutes after adding the onions to the ground beef.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and garlic, then simmer, stirring constantly, for one minute.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup from the can. After thoroughly mixing the ground turkey, add the mixed veggies and toss again.
  • To allow the flavors to meld, reduce the heat to medium-low to low, cover the pan, and simmer for ten minutes. Maintain a simmer, adjust the heat as necessary, and stir from time to time.
  • If necessary, taste the ground turkey filling and add more salt. We added a pinch to ours as a point of comparison.
  • Allow the blend to cool. If you occasionally stir it to release the steam, it will cool more quickly.
  • Set oven temperature to 400°F.
  • Apply a thin layer of cooking spray to a casserole dish (about 10 × 8 inches / 2 qt).
  • Pour into the casserole dish half of the turkey mixture. Add a ½ cup of the shredded cheese on top.
  • Pour in the remaining mixture and evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top (do not stir).
  • Place the tater tots on top, being careful not to push down or overlap. Gently place them on top.
  • If preferred, set the casserole dish on a large baking sheet so that it won't create a mess in your oven should it bubble over.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the tots are crispy and golden on top.
  • Before serving, let the Tater Tot Turkey Casserole sit for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to allow it to solidify.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium or reduced-sodium items and use less salt to season the ground turkey if you have a sensitive stomach. If necessary, you can taste and modify at the end.
  • Allow the blend to cool. If you occasionally stir it to release the steam, it will cool more quickly. When it comes time to bake, it will solidify and become thicker as it cools.