This Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish is a cozy meal that everyone loves! With yummy turkey, mixed veggies, and crispy tater tots on top, it’s comfort food at its best.
I mean, who can resist that crunchy top? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love serving it with a smile and maybe a side of salad—because balance, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean and flavorful, ground turkey is the star here. For a richer taste, you could substitute it with ground chicken or even lean ground beef. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, crumbled tempeh or lentils work well, too!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic creamy base for this dish. If you’re dairy-free, look for a plant-based cream soup or make a simple roux with vegetable broth and almond milk mixed with some flour to thicken.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: The mix of corn, peas, and carrots adds color and nutrients. Feel free to switch to fresh vegetables if you have them on hand—zucchini or bell peppers could be great options too.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor. You can replace it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer a milder taste. Dairy-free cheese alternatives are also available!
Tater Tots: These provide a crunchy topping. If you’re looking for something different, sweet potato fries or even mashed potatoes could be a fun substitute.
How Do You Brown Ground Turkey Properly?
Perfectly browning ground turkey is essential for a great flavor base. Here are some simple tips to help you:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat before adding the turkey. A hot skillet helps to brown the meat rather than steam it.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for even browning.
- Stir regularly to ensure even cooking and to break up any large clumps.
- Cook until the turkey is no longer pink to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hot Dish:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like corn, peas, and carrots)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Get everything ready in about 15 minutes, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm and hearty meal in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in!
2. Cook the Turkey:
In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat so your dish isn’t greasy.
3. Sauté the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the turkey and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent and soft, which will add great flavor!
4. Mix in the Sauce and Seasonings:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks creamy.
5. Add the Vegetables and Cheese:
Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the turkey mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly mixed and the veggies are coated.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the turkey and vegetable mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
7. Top with Tater Tots:
Now, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the turkey mixture. Make sure they cover the surface for a crispy topping!
8. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots. This will help them become even more deliciously cheesy.
9. Bake It:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Grab a scoop, and enjoy your hearty Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish! Perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends.
Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces and sauté them in the skillet for a few minutes until they’re slightly tender. You may want to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through before mixing them with the turkey and sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Turkey?
If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat. Just adjust cooking times as needed, especially if using beef, which may take longer to brown and cook fully.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the hot dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey and vegetable mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the tater tots and cheese on top right before baking to ensure they stay crispy. If baking from chilled, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
