Welcome to your new go-to recipe for a delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy weeknight meal: the Turkey Tater Tot Casserole! This family-friendly dish is packed with wholesome ingredients, featuring savory ground turkey, crispy golden tater tots, and a medley of nutritious vegetables, all baked together in a single dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food that simplifies dinner prep, making it perfect for busy schedules, and it’s also an ingenious way to transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into an exciting new meal.
Say goodbye to endless piles of dishes and hello to a fuss-free meal that delivers on flavor and satisfaction. This turkey casserole isn’t just easy; it’s a hearty, balanced dish that even the pickiest eaters will ask for again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner after a long day or a clever way to repurpose holiday leftovers, this recipe is designed to impress with minimal effort.
Content Covered Here
Why This Turkey Tater Tot Casserole Is A Must-Try
There are countless reasons why this hearty ground turkey tater tot casserole has become a beloved staple in homes everywhere. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a solution for busy evenings, a clever way to boost nutrition, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Effortless One-Pan Wonder: Imagine a complete meal cooked in a single skillet or baking dish! This casserole drastically cuts down on cleanup, making it ideal for weeknights when time is precious. Using an oven-safe pan, like a cast-iron skillet, allows you to transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven, minimizing dirty dishes and maximizing convenience.
- Sneaky Veggie Powerhouse: One of the greatest challenges for many families is incorporating enough vegetables into their diet. This casserole makes it easy! The savory ground turkey and crispy tater tots, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and melted cheese, cleverly camouflage the green beans and other optional veggies. Your family will be too busy enjoying the rich flavors to notice they’re getting a good dose of nutrients. It’s a dish you can feel good about serving, knowing it’s packed with protein, potatoes, and essential vitamins.
- Time-Saving & Quick: This isn’t a recipe that demands hours in the kitchen. In just around 30-45 minutes, you can have a piping hot, homemade meal on the table. The process is straightforward: brown your turkey and sauté your chosen vegetables, combine with a creamy sauce, then layer with tater tots and cheese before baking until golden perfection. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for a weekend feast.
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole. The combination of seasoned turkey, tender vegetables, creamy sauce, and a crispy, cheesy tater tot topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that embodies classic comfort food. It’s hearty, satisfying, and evokes a sense of home-cooked goodness.
- Perfect for Leftovers & Budget-Friendly: This recipe shines as a creative solution for leftover turkey from holidays like Thanksgiving. Instead of mundane turkey sandwiches, transform your holiday bird into an exciting new meal. Using ground turkey is also an economical choice, making this casserole a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Crave More Tater Tot and Turkey Goodness?
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of crispy tater tots and savory turkey, you’re in luck! Explore our other fantastic recipes, like the classic Tater Tot Green Bean Casserole, or spice up your game day with our loaded tater tots, affectionately known as Tachos. For those moments when meat takes precedence, don’t miss our perfectly roasted Turkey Tenderloins in the Oven or the ultimate slow cooker comfort dish, Slow Cooker Turkey Tetrazzini!
Key Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
This turkey tater tot casserole relies on a few simple yet impactful ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, allowing for various substitutions to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand.
-
Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier profile, or even better, use up your leftover holiday turkey!
- Substitution Tip: You can easily swap ground turkey for shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonders for speed!) or ground chicken. If using leftover cooked turkey, aim for about 2-3 cups of shredded or diced meat.
-
Tater Tots: These frozen potato gems are crucial for that iconic crispy, savory topping. They cook up beautifully in the oven, creating a golden crust that’s irresistible.
- Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, don’t overcrowd the tater tots on top and ensure they are still frozen when placed on the casserole. You can also lightly spray them with cooking oil before baking.
-
Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans work equally well, adding a touch of vibrant green and essential nutrients.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Broccoli florets, corn, peas, diced carrots, or even a mixed vegetable medley are fantastic options that blend seamlessly into the casserole base.
-
Onion (chopped) & Garlic (minced or pressed): These aromatic foundations build the deep, savory flavor profile of the casserole. Don’t skip them!
- Flavor Boost: For a milder flavor, use shallots instead of onion. Garlic powder or onion powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
-
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic condensed soup provides the creamy, rich base that binds all the ingredients together.
- Soup Substitutions: Customize your casserole’s flavor by using other condensed cream soups, such as cream of cheddar cheese soup, cream of celery, cream of asparagus, or even cream of potato. Each will impart a slightly different, delicious twist. You can also make your own cream sauce from scratch using a roux and milk for a less processed option.
-
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderfully tangy and melty layer to the casserole.
- Cheese Choices: Don’t limit yourself to cheddar! Monterey Jack, Colby, a cheddar-jack blend, or even a spicy pepper jack can elevate the flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
-
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste, ensuring all the flavors are perfectly balanced.
- Additional Seasoning: Consider adding a pinch of onion powder, garlic powder, or a dash of paprika for extra depth. A sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or oregano can also complement the turkey.
🎯 Pro Tip: Leftover Turkey Masterpiece
Give your holiday leftovers a second life! Instead of ground turkey, simply substitute 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded, or chopped turkey meat. This transforms your turkey into a whole new family favorite!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
Creating this delicious turkey tater tot casserole is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time.
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, have a 9×13 inch casserole dish or a similar round baking dish ready.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey. In a large 10-12 inch skillet (preferably oven-safe if you want a true one-pan meal), brown the ground turkey over medium heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, thoroughly drain any excess fat from the pan. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole.
3. Sauté the Vegetables. Add your green beans, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned turkey. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the green beans are slightly tender-crisp, typically 5-8 minutes. The aromatics will infuse the turkey with incredible flavor.
4. Stir in the Creamy Base. Pour the can of cream of mushroom soup into the turkey and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and the soup is evenly distributed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can proceed directly to the next step. If not, transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish.
5. Layer with Cheese and Tater Tots. Evenly sprinkle half of your grated cheddar cheese over the turkey and vegetable base. Then, arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots on top of the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots. This layering ensures gooey cheese throughout and a beautifully crispy topping.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the uncovered casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 33-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the casserole are gently simmering. The internal temperature should be piping hot.
7. Rest and Serve. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to scoop and preventing it from being too runny. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
This turkey tater tot casserole is incredibly versatile and perfect for meal prepping. Save valuable time during busy weekdays by preparing it in advance!
- Make-Ahead Instructions (Refrigeration): To get a head start, follow steps 1-3 of the instructions (cooking the turkey and vegetables, then mixing in the cream soup). Transfer the mixture to your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats. Then, proceed with step four (layering the cheese and tater tots) and bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is very cold.
-
Freezing Instructions: This easy tater tot casserole recipe freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future meals.
- To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole through step 3 (turkey, veggies, soup). Cover the dish tightly with foil, then wrap it again with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, add the tater tots and cheese and bake as directed, potentially adding extra baking time.
- To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer individual portions to airtight freezer-safe containers or freeze the entire casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish (covered tightly). Freeze for up to three months.
-
Reheating Frozen Casserole:
- From Thawed: If thawed in the refrigerator, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.
- From Frozen (whole casserole): This takes longer. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60-90 minutes, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes to crisp up the tater tots. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Microwave (individual portions): Reheat covered on 50% power for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
While this turkey tater tot casserole is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides can elevate the dining experience and add extra freshness and balance.
- Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh, vibrant garnishes can brighten the dish. Consider chopped green onions (scallions), fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Crisp Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich and hearty casserole. It adds a fresh element and a satisfying crunch.
- Steamed Vegetables: Although the casserole already contains green beans, you can never have too many vegetables! Serve with additional steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, or asparagus. A simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a quick sauté of mixed bell peppers would also be delicious.
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm, crusty baguette or dinner rolls are excellent for soaking up any creamy sauce from the casserole. Garlic bread would also be a fantastic choice.
- Pickled Vegetables: For a tangy kick that cuts through the richness, offer a side of quick pickled onions or dill pickles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Casserole
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your turkey tater tot casserole turns out perfectly every time.
Leftovers of this delicious casserole should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. To reheat, you can bake it in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, covered, on 50% power for three to four minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even heating.
A soggy casserole is often a result of underbaking or improper layering. To prevent sogginess, ensure the casserole is cooked all the way through—look for a lightly golden-brown and crispy tater tot topping and a bubbly center. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t done, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while the inside continues to cook. Also, make sure to drain excess fat from the ground turkey and avoid overcrowding the baking dish.
While often used interchangeably, particularly outside of certain regions, “hotdish” is essentially a type of casserole with a more specific definition. A hotdish is almost always a hearty main course, typically featuring a starch (like potatoes or pasta), a meat (like ground beef or turkey), a canned creamy soup, and vegetables, all baked in one dish. It’s less commonly a side dish or breakfast item. The term “hotdish” is especially common in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest of the United States, whereas “casserole” is the more widely recognized term for a similar baked dish everywhere else.
Yes, with a few adjustments! For a gluten-free version, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free (many brands offer this, or you can make a homemade gluten-free cream sauce) and confirm your tater tots are gluten-free (most are, but always check the label). For a dairy-free casserole, substitute the condensed cream soup with a dairy-free cream soup alternative or a homemade dairy-free cream sauce made with plant-based milk and oil. Replace cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese blend. The taste and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be a delicious and comforting meal.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. While ground turkey is excellent, you can easily use ground beef, ground chicken, or even a mix of meats. If you’re looking to use up other leftovers, cooked shredded pork or beef would also work wonderfully. Adjust your seasonings to complement the chosen meat, but the basic structure of the casserole will remain delicious.
Explore More Casserole Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and comfort of this Turkey Tater Tot Casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are the ultimate family meal solution, offering hearty satisfaction with minimal fuss. Here are a few more favorites from our collection that you’ll want to try:
- Crack Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy chicken and bacon combination topped with crispy tater tots. It’s addictive!
- Ground Beef Tater Tot Hotdish: The classic hearty version featuring savory ground beef and a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Casserole: A hands-off approach to cheesy potato goodness, ideal for potlucks or an easy side dish.
- Hashbrown Casserole with Cream of Chicken: A comforting and flavorful casserole using shredded hashbrowns and a creamy chicken base, perfect for breakfast or dinner.
If you tried this turkey tater tot casserole recipe or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below. We love hearing from you!
Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin
Entree
American
6
5 minutes
40 minutes
45 minutes
490
Equipment
- 10-inch cast iron skillet – or other oven safe pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (substitute with 2 cups leftover holiday turkey (shredded) or 2 cups of shredded chicken)
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) frozen or fresh green beans (chopped into 1″ pieces)
- ½ onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 1 can (10 oz.) cream of mushroom soup (see notes for soup variations)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated or shredded, divided)
- 16 ounces frozen tater tots (smaller sized bag or 1/2 of a larger bag)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Brown ground turkey in a 10-11″ skillet over medium heat. Drain fat from the pan. Add green beans, chopped onion, and garlic to skillet and saute until onions turn translucent.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and mix into the turkey and vegetable mixture. If your skillet is oven-safe, continue on to the next step. Otherwise, add the mixture to a round or oblong casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half the grated cheese evenly across the top. Then top the casserole with a layer of tater tots and the rest of the cheese.
- Bake at 375º uncovered for 33-35 minutes until the cheese, and tater tot topping is golden brown and the edges of the casserole are bubbly.
- Let cool at least 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, sliced green onion, or parsley.
Video
Notes
- Make this a leftover makeover meal with your leftover Thanksgiving turkey meat! Simply substitute 2 cups of cooked, shredded turkey meat for the ground turkey.
- You can also use 2 cups of shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken makes for an easy meal!) or one pound of ground chicken.
Recipe variations:
- Use any of Campbell’s condensed cream soups, like cheddar cheese soup, cream of celery, cream of asparagus, or cream of potato, to customize this tater tot casserole recipe.
Storing Instructions:
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days.
- To reheat, bake in a 350ºF. oven until warmed through. You can also reheat this dish in the microwave, covered, on 50% power for three to four minutes stirring once halfway through.
Make Ahead Instructions:
- Make this a make-ahead casserole! Follow steps 1-3 in the instructions, then cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 3 days. Bake at 375º F for 37-40 minutes until the tater tots and cheese are golden brown, and the edges of the casserole are bubbly.
- Let cool at least 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, sliced green onion, or parsley.
Nutrition
| Calories: 490kcal
| Carbohydrates: 22g
| Protein: 24g
| Fat: 34g
| Saturated Fat: 15g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
| Trans Fat: 1g
| Cholesterol: 93mg
| Sodium: 611mg
| Potassium: 501mg
| Fiber: 2g
| Sugar: 1g
| Vitamin A: 507IU
| Vitamin C: 9mg
| Calcium: 306mg
| Iron: 2mg