Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Tater Tot Sausage Casserole. This irresistible bake combines crispy tater tots, savory sausage, tender veggies, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce, creating a family favorite that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even weeknight dinners. Every bite is loaded with rich, cheesy goodness, making it a dish people will request over and over. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and nearly effortless to prepare, which is why Tater Tot Sausage Casserole has become a staple at my own table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole comes from straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role in flavor and texture. Gather these essentials for a dish that looks and tastes like a labor of love, even though it’s blissfully easy!
- Breakfast sausage: Brings a punch of savory, spiced flavor that anchors the whole casserole and balances the richness.
- Onion (diced): Adds a touch of sweetness and depth, giving the casserole an aromatic undertone.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Offers a pop of color and mild, sweet flavor that brightens each bite.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The secret behind that creamy, velvety texture—plus it ties everything together effortlessly.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and an extra layer of lusciousness, making the sauce ultra spoonable.
- Milk: Loosens the sauce, making it perfectly pourable without diluting the rich flavors.
- Garlic powder: Delivers quiet garlicky warmth across the casserole without being too bold.
- Black pepper: Brightens and seasons every layer, essential for balance.
- Frozen tater tots: The irresistible golden crown, bringing crunch and that classic potato comfort vibe.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into glorious gooeyness and gives the casserole its signature cheesy appeal.
- Green onions (sliced, for garnish): Adds a hit of freshness and a little zing to the final presentation.
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick coat of nonstick spray or butter. This simple step guarantees easy cleanup and helps your Tater Tot Sausage Casserole come out in perfect squares.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage, diced onion, and red bell pepper over medium heat. Stir occasionally and break the sausage up as it browns. After about 7 minutes, the sausage should be cooked through and the veggies tender—go ahead and drain any excess grease for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. This combination creates a dreamy, rich base that melds all the flavors and keeps everything ultra moist.
Step 4: Mix and Layer
Add the sausage-veggie mixture into the bowl with your sauce, stirring until everything is perfectly combined. Then, spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish to set the stage for the legendary tater tot topping.
Step 5: Add Tots and Cheese
Arrange the frozen tater tots over the top in a single layer—it’s fun to make neat rows, but don’t worry if they’re not perfectly lined up! Then pile on the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure every tot gets a little love.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven, uncovered. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges, the cheese is melted and golden, and the tater tots are crisp and irresistible. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Their zippy freshness brings the whole dish to life and adds that finishing touch of color.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your Tater Tot Sausage Casserole with a flurry of fresh green onions for a splash of color and a burst of flavor. If you want to add extra pizzazz, try a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also be yours for the taking.
Side Dishes
As a standalone star, this casserole needs very little—maybe just a simple green salad or a medley of fresh fruit on the side to lighten things up. For heartier meals, pair it with scrambled eggs for breakfast, or roasted veggies for dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Tater Tot Sausage Casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy brunch feel. Or scoop it into warmed tortillas to create breakfast burritos with a twist! Another playful spin is to add a topping bar with extra goodies like chopped bacon, fresh tomatoes, or salsa so each guest can customize their serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tater Tot Sausage Casserole stores beautifully. Just let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days; the flavors actually mellow and meld even more overnight!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. You can also freeze leftover cooked casserole—portion individually for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunches.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Tater Tot Sausage Casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the tater tots are crisp again (about 15-20 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch, but be aware that the tots will lose their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Main Course, Casserole
Absolutely! Swap in turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative—just make sure to adjust seasonings as needed to match your taste preferences.
Can I make Tater Tot Sausage Casserole ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. The next morning, simply bake as directed and enjoy a stress-free hot meal!
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Check that your cream of mushroom soup and sausage are gluten-free, and use gluten-free tater tots. Everything else should be safe, making this an easy gluten-free comfort classic.
Can I add more veggies?
Feel free! Mushrooms, spinach, or even diced zucchini work well. Just sauté extra veggies along with the sausage so they’re tender and integrated into the mix.
What’s the best way to keep the tater tots crispy?
Always bake the casserole uncovered and arrange tater tots in a single layer on top. For extra crunch, you can broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family, don’t wait to try making Tater Tot Sausage Casserole. It’s easy to prepare, universally loved, and guaranteed to become one of your most requested recipes—so dig in, enjoy, and savor every cheesy, crispy bite!
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Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Sausage Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast or dinner. With a creamy sauce, savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Top Layer:
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a skillet, cook sausage, onion, and bell pepper until browned and softened, about 7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Combine with sausage mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Layer tater tots on top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized with jalapeños or different cheeses for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for crispy tots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
