Ground Turkey & Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole Is High in Protein

Preheat oven to 450°F. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1½ pounds ground turkey; cook, stirring and breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until almost cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chopped onion; cook, stirring often, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the turkey mixture to a large heatproof bowl. Do not wipe the skillet clean.

Add 12 cups broccoli (and/or cauliflower) and ¼ cup broth to the skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes, adding up to an additional ¼ cup broth if the skillet becomes dry. Uncover and sprinkle with ¼ cup flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1 cup broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat; cook, stirring, until thickened, about TK minutes. Add 3 tablespoons Worcestershire, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons mustard, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt; stir until combined.

Transfer the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the turkey mixture. Add 1 cup Cheddar and ¼ cup parsley; stir until combined. Divide the mixture between 2 (8-inch-square) freezer- and oven-safe baking dishes. (If using glass baking dishes, let the casserole cool to room temperature before baking to help prevent thermal shock.)

Sprinkle each casserole with ½ cup Cheddar. Arrange 2 cups potato tots (or veggie tots) in a single layer over the cheese on each casserole. Lightly coat the tots with cooking spray; sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup Cheddar.

To bake immediately: Bake until the cheese is melted and the tots are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.

To freeze: Let the unbaked casseroles cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To bake from frozen: Remove the plastic wrap; cover with foil. Bake from frozen at 400°F until heated through, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to broil. Broil until the tots are golden brown in spots, about 4 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.