Crock Pot Creamy Turkey Tater-Tot Bake
This delightful Crock Pot Creamy Turkey Tater-Tot Bake has quickly become a family favorite at our house! Inspired by a church potluck dish that won our hearts, it combines the comforting flavors of ground turkey, creamy soup, and wholesome vegetables all topped with crispy tater tots. Fresh veggies from the garden add a burst of flavor, but frozen work just as well. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is hearty, satisfying, and sure to bring smiles to the dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 lb (browned)
onion
1 small (chopped)
cream of celery soup
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
milk
1 (10 ounce) can (use the cream of can)
green beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
corn
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
frozen tater tots
1 (32 ounce) bag (frozen)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
shredded cheese
optional (for topping)
Instructions
1
Lightly spray the interior of your crock pot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly over the bottom of the prepared crock pot.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, cream of celery soup, milk, green beans, corn, and the cooked ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir until well combined.
5
Pour the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots in the crock pot.
6
Cover and cook on low for 4 1/2 to 5 hours, or until the tater tots are heated through and slightly crispy.
7
If desired, add shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crock Pot Creamy Turkey Tater-Tot Bake?
It is a comforting slow cooker casserole that combines ground turkey, creamy soup, and vegetables topped or layered with tater tots.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground beef or ground chicken can easily be substituted for the ground turkey in this recipe.
How long does it take to cook in the crock pot?
The casserole should be cooked on low for 4.5 to 5 hours until heated through.
Do I need to brown the turkey before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the ground turkey in a skillet and drain the fat before adding it to the crock pot.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely, fresh green beans and corn from the garden add a great burst of flavor to this dish.
What can I use if I don't have cream of celery soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer.
How do I measure the milk for this recipe?
The easiest way is to use the empty 10-ounce soup can to measure the milk.
Should the tater tots be placed on the bottom or the top?
According to this recipe, the frozen tater tots are spread evenly over the bottom of the prepared crock pot.
Can I add cheese to this casserole?
Yes, you can sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy, hearty meal that is perfect for families with busy schedules.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, you should use the tater tots while they are still frozen.
How do I prevent the food from sticking to the slow cooker?
Lightly spray the interior of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, frozen green beans and corn work just as well as canned or fresh vegetables.
What type of onion should I use?
A small white or yellow onion, finely chopped, works best for this recipe.
Can I cook this on high heat to save time?
While low is recommended, you can cook it on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours, though the texture of the tots may vary.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe typically serves approximately 6 to 8 people.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of creamy sauce, turkey, and potatoes makes it a quintessential comfort food.
Can I add extra seasonings?
Yes, feel free to add salt and pepper to taste, or even garlic powder for extra depth.
What size bag of tater tots is needed?
A standard 32-ounce bag of frozen tater tots is required for this recipe.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes, you can bake it in a casserole dish at 375 degrees F for 30-40 minutes until the tots are crispy and the center is hot.
Should I drain the canned vegetables?
Yes, you should drain both the green beans and the corn to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, whole milk, 2%, or even heavy cream can be used for a richer flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written it is not, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cream soup and certified gluten-free tater tots.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the tater tots may lose some of their texture upon reheating.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating in the oven or an air fryer is best to help the tater tots regain some crispiness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, peas, carrots, or diced bell peppers would also make great additions to the mix.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Yes, it's a crowd-pleaser and was actually inspired by a church potluck dish.
How do I know when it is done?
It is done when the mixture is bubbling and the tater tots are heated through and slightly crispy.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
Shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend all work wonderfully as a topping.