This leftover turkey tater tot casserole is a cheesy bacon ranch bake with a crispy tater tot topping. Chopped leftover turkey goes into a creamy ranch and cheddar filling with crumbled bacon, and golden tater tots are lined up on top. It is a 15-minute assembly, it bakes in one dish, and it turns Thanksgiving turkey into a new dinner.
If you have more leftovers to use up, you might also like the leftover turkey stuffing casserole and this leftover turkey soup.
Why you will like this turkey tater tot bake
- Uses up leftover turkey. Three cups of chopped turkey go into one dish.
- Bacon ranch flavor. Crispy bacon and ranch seasoning make the filling taste like more than leftovers.
- Frozen tots go straight on. No need to thaw or pre-bake the tater tots.
- Easy cleanup. One bowl and one 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
Ingredients for leftover turkey tater tot casserole
- 3 cups chopped leftover turkey. White or dark meat, cut into bite-size pieces.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled. Half goes in the filling and half goes on top.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup. It is the creamy base.
- 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup milk. They loosen and enrich the filling.
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix. From a packet or homemade.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, divided. About 6 ounces. Shred it from a block if you can.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional). They add color and a little sweetness.
- 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen tater tots. Straight from the freezer.
- 2 green onions, sliced. For serving.
How to make leftover turkey tater tot casserole
Step 1: Make the filling
Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, 1 cup of the cheddar, the turkey, half of the bacon, and the peas, if using.
Step 2: Fill the dish
Spread the turkey mixture into an even layer in the baking dish.
Step 3: Add the tater tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in tight rows over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the remaining bacon.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tots are golden brown, the filling is bubbling around the edges, and the center is hot all the way through (165°F).
Step 5: Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the green onions and serve.
Tips for the best turkey tater tot bake
- Cut the turkey into small pieces so every bite has turkey, bacon, and cheese.
- Do not thaw the tots. Frozen tots crisp better and do not get soggy.
- Set the tots close together so the filling does not bubble up over them.
- Check that the center is hot (165°F), since this uses cooked leftovers.
- Use leftover turkey within 3 to 4 days of the original meal.
Variations
- Chicken version. Use cooked chicken in place of turkey for a chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole.
- Vegetables. Add leftover green beans or corn to the filling.
- More cheese. Use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack.
- Lighter. Use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream.
Storage, freezing, and reheating
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes, until hot all the way through (165°F). The microwave works too, but the tots will soften. To freeze, wrap cooled portions well and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover?
Yes. Use 3 cups of cooked, chopped turkey or chicken. Make sure it is fully cooked before it goes into the casserole.
Can I make it ahead?
You can mix the filling and spread it in the dish up to 1 day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge, add the tots just before baking, and add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time.
Can I use cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work in place of cream of chicken.
What can I serve with it?
A green salad or steamed green beans balance this rich dish.
More tater tot casseroles and leftover ideas
For more tater tot casseroles, try the cheeseburger tater tot casserole, the Mexican tater tot casserole, or the chili cheese tater tot casserole. For another turkey idea, see the turkey cranberry sliders.
Leftover Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
For the filling
- 3 cups chopped leftover turkey
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, divided
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
For the topping
- 28 oz frozen tater tots 1 bag, do not thaw
- 2 green onions sliced, for serving
Method
- Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, 1 cup of the cheddar, the turkey, half of the bacon, and the peas, if using.
- Spread the turkey mixture into an even layer in the baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in tight rows over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the remaining bacon.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tots are golden brown, the filling is bubbling, and the center is hot all the way through (165°F).
- Rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle with the green onions, and serve.
Notes
- Do not thaw the tater tots, and set them close together.
- Use leftover turkey within 3 to 4 days of the original meal and heat the casserole to 165°F in the center.
- Make ahead: assemble the filling in the dish up to 1 day ahead, add the tots just before baking, and add 5 to 10 minutes.
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze cooled portions up to 2 months.