Save A comforting, family-friendly casserole featuring crispy sweet potato tater tots, savory ground turkey, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this dish is always a hit when you need something hearty and satisfying.
I first made this casserole for a busy weeknight and was amazed at how quickly it came together. The sweet potato tater tots add a delightful crunch that my whole family now requests again and again.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: 1 lb (450 g), or substitute with beef or chicken
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g), divided
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Frozen peas and carrots mix: 1 cup (150 g)
- Corn kernels: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g)
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Frozen sweet potato tater tots: 1 (32 oz/900 g) bag
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Brown the meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
- Add vegetables and seasonings:
- Stir in frozen peas and carrots, corn, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Make the creamy filling:
- Add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until well combined and heated.
- Add cheese:
- Remove from heat and fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Layer the casserole:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add tater tots and cheese:
- Arrange sweet potato tater tots in a single layer over the filling. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the tots.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are crisp and casserole is bubbly.
- Finish and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save One weekend, I made this for my parents, and we all ended up going back for seconds. Now it is a favorite that everyone looks forward to, especially on cozy family nights.
Notes & Variations
Substitute ground turkey with beef or chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add beans or extra vegetables. Feel free to use fresh or canned vegetables to suit your preference.
Required Tools
You will need a large skillet, a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing spoon or spatula, and a knife with cutting board for prepping the vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 410 calories, 18 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 21 g protein, making it a filling meal for any occasion.
Save This casserole always disappears fast at our table—add a green salad for a complete meal and enjoy all the comforts of home-cooked flavor.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef or chicken work well in place of turkey and provide a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → How do I make this vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables to keep the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
A green salad pairs nicely, adding freshness and balance to the creamy, cheesy main dish.
- → Can I use regular tater tots instead of sweet potato?
Regular tater tots are a tasty alternative, offering a classic flavor and crisp texture on top.
- → Are there gluten or dairy allergens?
The dish typically contains wheat/gluten (from soup or tots) and dairy (cheese, sour cream). Check ingredients carefully.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.