Hearty Turkey Tater Tot Bake
This Hearty Turkey Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal that's perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. Combining seasoned ground turkey, crispy tater tots, and creamy soup, this casserole delivers layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. It's easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps, and can be easily doubled for larger crowds. Enjoy this delicious dish baked to perfection and topped with a golden crust of tater tots.
16
Servings
187.5
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Turkey
2 lbs (cooked, seasoned, and drained)
Tater Tots
6 lbs (3 bags) (frozen, no preparation needed)
Cream of Mushroom Soup
21 oz (2 cans) (canned, no preparation needed)
Evaporated Milk
24 oz (2 cans) (canned, no preparation needed)
Cream of Chicken Soup
21 oz (2 cans) (canned, no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
In a large casserole dish (a 9x13 inch pan works best), spread the cooked and seasoned ground turkey evenly across the bottom.
4
Take the frozen tater tots and evenly layer them over the ground turkey, covering it completely.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and evaporated milk. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
6
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the tater tots. Make sure all the tater tots are covered for even baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
8
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty turkey tater tot bake!
Nutrition Information
9.4
Fat
15
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Turkey Tater Tot Bake?
It is a comforting and satisfying one-dish casserole made with seasoned ground turkey, crispy tater tots, and a creamy soup mixture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for large families or gatherings.
What are the main ingredients for this casserole?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of ground turkey, 6 lbs of frozen tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and evaporated milk.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does it take to bake the turkey tater tot casserole?
The dish should be baked for 1 hour or until the tater tots are golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
Should I cook the ground turkey before assembling the casserole?
Yes, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet and drain any excess fat before layering it in the dish.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No, you can use frozen tater tots and layer them directly over the cooked ground turkey.
What is the recommended pan size for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch casserole dish works best for this recipe.
How do I make the creamy sauce for the topping?
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and evaporated milk until smooth.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 187.5 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
How many grams of fat are in a serving?
There are 9.4 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The dish contains 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground beef can be substituted for ground turkey if preferred, though it may change the nutritional values.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food recipe due to its creamy texture and hearty ingredients.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely, you can mix in vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans with the turkey layer for added nutrition.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double for very large crowds, though you will need additional baking dishes.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What is a good side dish for this bake?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement this hearty meal well.
Why do I need to drain the turkey fat?
Draining the fat prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy or soggy.
Can I use fresh milk instead of evaporated milk?
You can, but evaporated milk provides a creamier and thicker consistency which is ideal for casseroles.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
The recipe does not require covering; baking it uncovered helps the tater tots become crispy.
How much ground turkey is required?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of ground turkey.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use other cream-based soups like cream of celery or cream of onion if you prefer.
How do I know the casserole is fully cooked?
It is done when the edges are bubbling and the tater tots on top have reached a golden brown color.
Is it necessary to let the bake cool before serving?
Letting it cool for a few minutes allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, adding shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots during the last 10 minutes of baking is a popular variation.
What makes this recipe 'one-dish'?
While the turkey is browned in a skillet, the entire meal is baked and served from a single casserole dish.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight meals?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights because it requires minimal preparation steps and uses mostly pantry and freezer staples.