Ground turkey tater tot casserole is a comforting family favorite made with lean ground turkey, cream of mushroom soup, plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, milk, peas and carrots, and a golden layer of frozen tater tots.
This easy tater tot casserole turns lean ground turkey into a creamy, cheesy hotdish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The filling combines condensed cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt, a bit of milk, and shredded cheddar for a rich but simple sauce. Frozen peas and carrots add color and nutrition, while a single layer of tater tots bakes to a crispy, golden topping.
Recipe Highlights
- Quick prep: Minimal hands-on time makes this an easy dinner solution.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses common fridge and pantry staples.
- Lean protein: Ground turkey keeps this version lighter than a traditional beef casserole.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – for sautéing the turkey and onion.
- Lean ground turkey – the main protein.
- Yellow onion – chopped, for flavor and texture.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup – provides a creamy base.
- Plain fat-free Greek yogurt – adds creaminess with less fat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – divided, for melty cheesiness.
- Milk – to adjust consistency of the filling.
- Frozen peas and carrots – for color and nutrients.
- Garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper – to season.
- Frozen tater tots – to top the casserole and crisp while baking.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and serving size.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground turkey, about 5–7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt, half of the shredded cheddar, milk, peas and carrots, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Spread the turkey mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar evenly over the filling.
Arrange a single layer of tater tots on top, covering the surface as evenly as possible.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Olive oil: swap for vegetable oil, canola oil, or butter.
- Ground turkey: use ground chicken, lean beef, or a plant-based ground alternative.
- Onion: white or sweet onion work fine.
- Condensed soup: cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used instead.
- Greek yogurt: plain regular Greek yogurt or sour cream are acceptable swaps.
- Cheese: try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
- Vegetables: substitute frozen mixed vegetables if desired.
- Tater tots: alternative crispy potato bites can be used.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
📖 Recipe
Ground Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ground turkey (5–7 minutes). Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Stir in the condensed soup, Greek yogurt, half the cheddar, milk, peas and carrots, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine and taste to adjust seasoning.
- Spread the turkey mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top and arrange a single layer of tater tots to cover.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until the tater tots are golden and the filling is bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate covered for 3–4 days. Freeze up to 2–3 months.
Freezer tips: This casserole freezes well baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best texture, reheat in the oven to crisp the tater tots.
Nutrition
Calories: 499 kcal | Carbohydrates: 39 g | Protein: 26 g | Fat: 28 g
FAQ
Yes. You can substitute any condensed “cream of” soup—mushroom, chicken, or celery. The overall flavor will vary slightly based on the soup chosen.
Yes. Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
Food safety
- Cook thoroughly: Ensure ground turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw meat.
- Store promptly: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours or freeze for longer storage.
Related
For more easy hotdish ideas, try other casserole recipes like ham and vegetable, Mexican cornbread, or chicken stuffing casseroles.
-
Ham and Vegetable Casserole
-
Easy Mexican Cornbread Casserole
-
Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole
-
Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole
