Healthy Turkey Tater Tot Bake
Indulge in a comforting yet nutritious meal with this Healthy Turkey Tater Tot Bake. This recipe features lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and crispy tater tots, all smothered in a rich mushroom sauce. It’s a wholesome dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, offering a great way to satisfy cravings without the guilt. Enjoy the balance of flavors while keeping your meal low in calories, making it a delicious choice for health-conscious families or anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra lean ground turkey
1 lb (none)
Frozen tater tots
16 oz (1 package) (none)
98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
10.75 oz (1 can) (none)
Skim milk
3/4 cup (none)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Chopped celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Healthy Turkey Tater Tot Bake?
It is a nutritious version of the classic tater tot casserole made with lean ground turkey, fat-free cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, and vegetables.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef, but using extra lean ground turkey helps keep the calorie and fat content lower for a healthier meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the cream of mushroom soup and some brands of tater tots. To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free soup and tot brand.
Can I use sweet potato tater tots?
Absolutely! Sweet potato tater tots are a great alternative that adds extra nutrients and a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on the portion size.
Do I need to cook the turkey before baking?
Yes, you should brown the extra lean ground turkey with the onions and celery in a skillet before assembling the casserole to ensure it is fully cooked.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this amount of ingredients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the skim milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup alternative.
How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?
To ensure crispy tots, bake the casserole uncovered and consider broiling for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Can I add more vegetables to this bake?
Yes, adding peas, carrots, or green beans is a great way to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the meal.
Is this recipe low in calories?
Yes, by using lean turkey, fat-free soup, and skim milk, this version is significantly lower in calories than traditional tater tot casseroles.
Can I freeze the Healthy Turkey Tater Tot Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it either before baking or after. If freezing before, wait to add the tater tots until you are ready to bake.
How long does it take to bake?
Typically, the bake takes about 30 to 45 minutes in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven until the sauce is bubbly and the tots are golden brown.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, use 2 minced cloves of fresh garlic and sauté them with the onions and celery for more intense flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat portions in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain the crispiness of the tots, though a microwave also works.
Can I skip the celery?
Yes, if you do not like celery, you can omit it or replace it with chopped bell peppers or extra onions.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
While cheese adds calories, a sprinkle of low-fat shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking is a delicious addition.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes, tater tot casseroles are generally very kid-friendly, and this version sneaks in healthy turkey and vegetables.
What side dish goes well with this bake?
A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli complements the richness of the mushroom sauce perfectly.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives to cream of mushroom.
How can I reduce the sodium in this dish?
Use a low-sodium version of the cream of mushroom soup and limit the amount of added salt to taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can mix the meat and sauce components ahead of time and store them in the fridge, adding the tots just before baking.
Should I cover the casserole with foil?
It is best to bake it uncovered so the tater tots can brown and get crispy rather than steaming under foil.
What kind of turkey is best for this?
Extra lean ground turkey (99% lean) or 93% lean ground turkey works best to keep the dish healthy.
Can I add spices to the meat?
Yes, feel free to add paprika, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the turkey while browning for more depth.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While you need a skillet to brown the turkey, the final dish is a one-pan meal which makes cleanup very easy.
Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen chopped onions are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this casserole.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is done when the internal sauce is bubbling around the edges and the tater tots on top are a deep golden brown.
Can I use almond milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk can be used as a 1:1 replacement for skim milk in this recipe.