Tim Walz's hot dish recipe is heavy on the tots, light on the pretense

[IronLionZion]

3. Ingredients

Servings: 8-10 (makes about 12 cups)

1 pound ground turkey, preferably 85 to 93 percent lean

1 large egg

1 garlic clove, minced or finely grated

1/2 cup chopped scallions (4 to 6 scallions)

1 teaspoon fine salt, divided

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

1/2 teaspoon dried ground sage

1 tablespoon olive oil

One (1-pound) package frozen cut green beans (no need to defrost; see Variations)

4 slices bacon (4 ounces)

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1 1/2 cups (3 1/2 ounces) chopped cremini mushroom caps

1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

2 1/2 cups whole or reduced-fat milk

1/2 cup half-and-half

1/4 cup chopped yellow or white onion

12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 3 cups; see Notes)

One (32-ounce) package Tater Tots (no need to defrost)