1 lb. ground turkey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. sage
1/2 cup green onions
1 egg
1 tbsp. olive oil

  • mix all ingredients except oil in a medium bowl
  • heat oil in a large skillet and brown turkey mixture and place in 9x13” baking dish

1 lb. fresh green beans, chopped into bite sized pieces

  • blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, plunge in ice water, drain, and add to baking dish

4 slices bacon

  • fry until crispy, then chop into 1/4” pieces and add to baking dish

2 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 cup chopped baby bella mushrooms washed and well dried

  • melt butter in a large skillet, then saute mushrooms for 4-5 minutes, then add to baking dish

4 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup half and half
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded

  • melt butter then mix in flour to make a roux, and cook for 2 minutes
  • whisk in milk and half-and-half, and cook for 2 more minutes
  • add onions, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 more minute
  • add cheese and cook until melted, then pour cheese sauce into baking dish

1 package tater tots
1/2 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

  • spread tater tots in baking dish and top with remaining cheese
  • bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, until golden brown

source: https://www.kare11.com/article/life/food/recipes/rep-tim-walzs-winning-hotdish-recipe/89-107523676

08/20/2024: made a variant of this which was very good:

  • ground beef instead of turkey, and added cumin/chili powder/etc.
  • used a can each of black beans and diced tomatoes instead of green beans and mushrooms
  • scaled down cheese sauce to 3 tbsp. butter/flour, 1 5/8 cup milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1 1/2 cups cheddar, and 1/2 cup shredded mexican cheese blend
  • made a shallow 9x12” pan and a 6” pie dish without the cheese sauce