When it comes to classic Midwestern comfort food, the Tater-Tot Hotdish is a fan favorite. Known for its hearty layers and creamy filling, this dish is a quintessential part of Minnesota’s food culture. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Tim Walz’s signature version— the Turkey Trot Tater-Tot Hotdish. Packed with seasoned ground turkey, fresh veggies, savory cheese, and of course, a golden layer of crispy tater tots, this dish is perfect for gatherings, holiday potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of fresh green beans, diced
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
- 6 tbsp. butter
- 5-6 tbsp. flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup half and half
- 2 tsp. salt
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ tsp. sage
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup green onions
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 ½ cup chopped baby bella mushrooms
- 1 package tater tots
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Season and cook the turkey. In a medium bowl, mix together ground turkey, garlic, sage, green onions, egg, pepper, and 1 tsp of salt. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet and cook the turkey mixture over medium heat until fully done, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, spread the turkey in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the green beans. Blanch the diced green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then quickly plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking. Drain thoroughly and add to the baking dish with the turkey.
Step 4: Cook the bacon. In a separate pan, fry the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small ¼-inch pieces. Add the bacon to the baking dish.
Step 5: Sauté the mushrooms. In a small pan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender. Stir in the mushrooms with the other ingredients in the baking dish.
Step 6: Make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter and stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, then slowly whisk in the milk and half and half. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). Add diced onions, the remaining salt, and pepper. After 1 minute, stir in 2 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and let it melt into the sauce.
Step 7: Assemble the dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the turkey, green beans, bacon, and mushrooms in the baking dish. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 8: Top it off with tater tots and cheese. Arrange tater tots on top of the mixture, creating a single, even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
Step 9: Bake. Place the assembled hotdish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions:
This hot dish is a complete meal, but you can pair it with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It also makes fantastic leftovers, so don’t be afraid to double the recipe if you want extra!
Why You’ll Love It:
This dish brings all the best elements of comfort food together. The savory ground turkey is balanced by the freshness of the green beans, the smoky bacon, and the rich, cheesy sauce. With the crunchy tater tots on top, each bite is a burst of textures and flavors. Tim Walz’s recipe is sure to be a hit, whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck.
Enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family, and embrace the tradition of Minnesota’s beloved hotdish!
