Name: Turkey Tater Tot Hot Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
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

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 5 mins

Servings:

8

Jump to Nutrition Facts

This amazing ground turkey casserole — topped with cheesy, crispy tater tots — is simple to make, easy on the budget, and a perfect choice for feeding large groups of hungry people.

It’s also not a casserole. It’s a hot dish. And what’s the difference between a casserole and a hot dish? There isn’t any, other than the location where you’re making this. This is called a casserole everywhere except in the Upper Midwest. There, it’s a hot dish (or hotdish, depending who you ask).

Now that I’ve explained that mystery, we can focus on just how great this was. For me, this is the epitome of American comfort food. I loved everything about it. If turkey isn’t your thing, this will work with beef or any other ground meat (so we can add “versatile” to its list of attributes). I was also going to say you could make this with mashed potatoes instead of tater tots, but I won’t. Anyway, whether you use tots or not, or call it a casserole instead, I really do hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

More recipes: Try the latest and greatest recipes from Chef John!

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

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, and cook and stir mushrooms with a big pinch of the salt until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add onions and sauté until onions turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Add turkey, and cook for a few minutes, breaking meat up into smaller crumbles.
Stir in the rest of the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to medium high, and cook until turkey is lightly browned and crumbly and liquid is mostly evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes.
Sprinkle over and stir in flour; cook, stirring, to cook out the raw taste of the flour, another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in green chiles, bell pepper, and chicken broth. Wait for the mixture to simmer, and cook, stirring, until the liquids thicken, and the texture is to your liking, about 2 minutes. Mixture can be reduced to thicken further, or broth can be added for a thinner texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a 9x12-inch, 9x13-inch, or equivalent casserole dish and smooth out the top. Top surface evenly with 4 ounces shredded cheese, and press cheese in lightly with the tip of a spatula.
Cover casserole surface evenly with 1 layer of frozen or thawed tater tots (if using frozen, add a few minutes to the oven time). Reserve any remaining tots for another use. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until tater tots are crisp and golden, 30 to 35 minutes.

Chef John

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

711	Calories
44g	Fat
44g	Carbs
39g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 711
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 44g	56%
Saturated Fat 13g	67%
Cholesterol 150mg	50%
Sodium 1390mg	60%
Total Carbohydrate 44g	16%
Dietary Fiber 5g	16%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 39g
Vitamin C 67mg	335%
Calcium 243mg	19%
Iron 5mg	25%
Potassium 1011mg	22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.