Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe

Name: Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups sliced brown mushrooms; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 pounds ground turkey; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; pinch cayenne pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 (4 ounce) can Hatch green chilies, or other diced chilies; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Cook Time: 45 minutes

This delicious ground turkey casserole, topped with crispy, cheesy tater tots, is an easy, budget-friendly meal thats perfect for feeding large groups. Its a true crowd-pleaser, and while its often called a casserole, in the Upper Midwest, they refer to it as a hot dish but really, the name is the only difference. Regardless of what you call it, its a fantastic comfort food that can be made with ground turkey, beef, or any other meat of your choice. Whether you use tater tots or mashed potatoes, this dish will satisfy every appetite!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups sliced brown mushrooms
2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
1 cup chopped onion
2 pounds ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (4 ounce) can diced Hatch green chilies (or other diced chilies)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450F (230C).

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms along with a big pinch of salt. Cook and stir for about 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms become golden brown.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and saut for about 3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Stir in the ground turkey. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned and the liquid has mostly evaporated.

Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper over the turkey. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the turkey is lightly browned and crumbly.

Step 7: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the raw taste of the flour to cook out.

Step 8: Add the diced green chilies, bell pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquids begin to thicken. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cooking the mixture longer to reduce it.

Step 9: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 10: Transfer the turkey mixture into a 9x12-inch or 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 11: Sprinkle 4 ounces of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top, pressing it lightly into the mixture with the tip of a spatula.

Step 12: Arrange the frozen (or thawed) tater tots in an even layer on top of the casserole. If using frozen tater tots, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Reserve any remaining tater tots for another use.

Step 13: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

Step 14: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 711
Total Fat: 44g (56% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 13g (67% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 150mg (50% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1390mg (60% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 44g (16% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 5g (16% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 39g (78% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 67mg (75% Daily Value)
Calcium: 243mg (19% Daily Value)
Iron: 5mg (25% Daily Value)
Potassium: 1011mg (22% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish

The Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish has its roots deeply embedded in Midwestern American cuisine, particularly in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The concept of a hot dish emerged during the early 20th century as an economical and hearty way to feed families using simple, locally available ingredients. Traditionally, it featured a meat base, canned vegetables, a starch like potatoes or noodles, and a creamy soup binder. The turkey variation is a modern twist that elevates the classic comfort food, making it lighter yet still indulgent.

Regional Characteristics

In the Upper Midwest, the term hot dish is preferred over casserole, though the two are often interchangeable. What distinguishes this dish regionally is the use of tater tots as a topping, which adds a crunchy texture and golden finish. Vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and green chilies are incorporated to add depth of flavor, while cheddar cheese provides a creamy, tangy contrast. The dish embodies the Midwestern philosophy of simplicity combined with robust, satisfying flavors, often served during family gatherings or holiday dinners.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While it shares similarities with shepherds pie or standard casseroles, the Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish stands out due to its tater tot topping instead of mashed potatoes or bread crumbs. Unlike shepherds pie, which typically uses beef or lamb and has a smooth mashed potato crust, this hot dish combines ground turkey with a slightly saucy vegetable base, topped with crispy, cheesy tater tots. The green chilies and smoked paprika add a subtle kick, setting it apart from other midwestern comfort dishes.

Typical Serving Context

This dish is commonly served as a main course for dinner, often in a communal or family-style setting. It is especially popular during colder months, holiday meals, or potlucks where convenience, flavor, and volume are key. Hot dishes are frequently accompanied by a simple side salad or steamed vegetables, allowing the rich, savory flavors of the turkey and cheese to take center stage. Leftovers are often reheated, as the flavors develop even further overnight.

Interesting Facts

Hot dishes are so iconic in Minnesota that there is an annual Tater Tot Hotdish competition at state fairs.
The substitution of turkey instead of beef or pork reflects a modern health-conscious twist while maintaining traditional comfort food appeal.
Many Midwestern families have secret variations, sometimes adding ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, bacon, or even leftover Thanksgiving vegetables.
The crispy tater tot topping became popular in the 1950s, when frozen potatoes became widely available, giving this classic dish its signature texture.

In conclusion, Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish is more than just a meal; its a cultural staple that combines convenience, regional tradition, and satisfying flavors in a single, hearty dish.

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FAQ about Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish Recipe

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or any other ground meat of your choice. The cooking process will remain the same.

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and freeze it before baking. To bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Store leftover hot dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Yes, fresh mushrooms can be used instead of sliced brown mushrooms. Just slice them yourself, and be sure to cook them until they are golden brown to bring out their flavor.

If you prefer, you can substitute tater tots with frozen hash browns or mashed potatoes. Both will work well, but tater tots give a crispier texture.

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat or simply omitting the meat entirely. You could add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to enhance the dish.

To adjust the spice level, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you want a spicier dish, you can add more cayenne, hot sauce, or a spicier variety of chilies.

If the mixture is too runny, you can cook it longer to reduce the liquid, or you can add more flour to thicken it. If you find it too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Yes, you can omit the cheese if you're lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free version. You could also use a dairy-free cheese substitute if desired.

The total cooking time is about 65 minutes, which includes 20 minutes of prep time and around 35-45 minutes of baking time.

Comments

Betty Diaz

12/08/2024 01:16:06 AM

Everyone enjoyed this dish. It's a comforting meal with subtle flavors. This was my second time making it, and I decided to use mashed potatoes with chives on half of it and tater tots on the other half. One person in the group prefers a more traditional shepherd's pie texture. I used gluten-free flour to accommodate two diners with celiac disease, and it worked just as well. Instead of using extra salt, I used granulated mushroom flavoring that I had on hand. For the second batch, I omitted cheese because one of the eaters doesn't like it.

Samuel Hernandez

02/18/2023 04:48:55 AM

Rewritten review: I absolutely loved this dish! In the past, I used to make it with cream of mushroom soup, canned corn, and canned green beans. However, this recipe is far superior. I substituted lean ground beef and opted for a cornstarch slurry to thicken it due to a guest's gluten intolerance. I simply mixed 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with some broth, then added it to the bubbling beef mixture, stirring until thickened. We enjoyed it with sautéed zucchini and a touch of Valentina hot sauce on my portion. The whole family devoured it and there weren't any leftovers. Highly recommend trying this recipe out!

Nathan Jackson

03/08/2023 04:50:50 PM

As someone from the Midwest, my heart will always have a soft spot for the traditional tater tot hotdish made with a can of cream of mushroom soup. However, this recipe was truly exceptional and captured the flavor perfectly, with a delightful little kick. I didn't have red bell peppers on hand, so I substituted with some chopped celery added at the same stage as the onions. The combination of the savory broth, creamy sauce, and subtle spice paired with the crunchy tater tots was a delicious trip down memory lane. Thank you, Chef John, for masterfully upgrading a classic dish!

Daniel Young

07/06/2023 03:36:26 AM

I made this recipe today using leftover smoked turkey, and it was delicious! I skipped the smoked paprika since the turkey was already smoked. I cooked the veggies first, then added the chopped cooked turkey. I halved the recipe since I was only cooking for two people and a chubby Chihuahua. I also left out some of the spicier ingredients and used half a can of tomatoes and green chilies. It turned out so tasty!

Sharon Gonzalez

04/18/2024 03:37:20 PM

As others have mentioned, this dish can end up too runny and take a long time to thicken - probably because of the type of pan used (avoid using a pot if possible). The cooking times provided were much shorter than the actual time needed to cook and thicken the dish. If you find that the mixture is already watery before adding the broth, consider adding less broth to save time. Despite being a delicious comfort food, it is quite time-consuming, so we will reserve it for special occasions.

Donna Adams

01/13/2025 04:07:53 AM

Wow! I made this dish for a true Minnesotan and it was a hit! It was my first time making a hot dish (not just a casserole) and I used Extra Sharp Tillamook Cheddar, a little under 2 cups of broth, and frozen Hatch chilies. Cooked it for exactly 35 minutes. Now the only challenge is resisting the temptation to devour the whole thing tonight.

Stephen Smith

09/13/2022 09:19:28 AM

The quantity of broth is excessive. It can be reduced by half for a better balance.

Sandra Moore

04/04/2023 05:16:10 PM

We absolutely adore this recipe! I appreciate the helpful tips provided. Due to health concerns, we omitted the peppers, but even our grown children enjoyed it immensely! This will be our third time making it. Thank you so much!

Heather Phillips

02/05/2023 11:38:31 PM

A convenient method to create delicious dishes that my family loves! The first time I followed the recipe for our family of 3, there was a bit too much, but they enjoyed it even at room temperature. The second time, I halved the recipe and it was still fantastic with no leftovers. Chef John's recipes never disappoint - always a hit!

Emily Davis

08/13/2023 10:25:28 AM

I followed the recipe exactly, but halved the portions for a Christmas dinner side dish. It turned out amazing! We all absolutely loved it! Thank you, Chef John!

Melissa Martinez

09/01/2024 09:56:01 AM

I am puzzled as to how just 2 and a half cups of broth can thicken sufficiently to form a cohesive dish. Despite boiling it for 20 minutes to thicken it up, the consistency is still too thin to work with. I ended up adding rice to the mixture in hopes of salvaging it. Fingers crossed that it will at least taste good in the end.

Adam Gonzalez

11/24/2023 05:10:11 PM

This dish is absolutely fantastic! I highly suggest using high-quality extra sharp or sharp white cheddar and making sure that most, if not all, of the mushrooms are golden brown.

Cook Time: 15 minutes