Tim Walz Hot Dish
This award-winning hotdish by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz features ground turkey, fresh vegetables, a creamy homemade cheese sauce, and a crispy tater tot topping. It's a comforting and hearty dish that embodies Midwestern culinary traditions.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp salt divided
- 1 tsp black pepper divided
- 1 lb green beans diced
- 4 slices bacon
- 6 tbsp butter divided
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms chopped
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1/4 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 package frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Turkey Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped garlic, dried sage, green onions, egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Cook Turkey Mixture: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey mixture and cook until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked turkey to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add diced green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and add to the baking dish with the turkey.
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, cook bacon slices until crispy. Remove, crumble, and add to the baking dish.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Drain excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the skillet. Add 2 tbsp butter and chopped mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms are browned and tender. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half, cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with remaining salt and black pepper.
- Assemble Hotdish: Pour the cheese sauce over the turkey, vegetables, and bacon in the baking dish. Stir gently to combine. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting Midwestern classic!
Notes
📌Variations: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. You can also substitute ground beef or chicken for the turkey if preferred.
📌Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
📌Serving Suggestions: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added freshness. Serve alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the hotdish.
