If you are craving a dish that combines hearty, savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese, then this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the juicy sausage and tender onions to the crispy golden tots on top. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for feeding family and friends anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the rich, layered flavors and delightful textures of this casserole. There’s nothing complicated here, just simple and wholesome components coming together to make something truly special.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): This is the star protein that delivers hearty, savory flavor and a little kick of seasoning.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of sharpness for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A quick way to boost aroma and savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing savory taste.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, comforting base that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds the perfect amount of moisture to keep the casserole luscious.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts beautifully to bring gooey richness and sharpness.
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots: Provides that iconic crispy topping that brings texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly so the casserole doesn’t stick. Next, brown the breakfast sausage along with the diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned and the onions are translucent. Don’t forget to drain excess grease, so your casserole isn’t greasy. Season the sausage and onion with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing everything well. This step builds the savory foundation of the casserole.
Step 2: Combine and Layer
In a large bowl, combine your cooked sausage mixture with the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is smoothly blended and creamy. Pour this luscious mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create an even base for the tater tots.
Step 3: Top with Tater Tots and Cheese
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer over the sausage mixture. This ensures that every bite has that satisfying crispy topping. Then pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Melt the Remaining Cheese
When your tater tots are perfectly crispy, pull the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible layer. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to settle all those lovely flavors.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, add a pop of color and freshness by sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the casserole. Sour cream or a dollop of tangy salsa also pairs beautifully to cut through the richness and add a brightness. These simple touches make every bite even more delicious and inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a nice textural contrast and brighten up your plate. For breakfast or brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad brings a sweet contrast that complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, comforting feel. Or for a crowd, scoop individual portions onto plates and sprinkle a little extra crispy bacon or chives on top. Consider layering it in smaller ramekins for a cute single-serving presentation that’s perfect for brunch gatherings. No matter how you serve it, this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling (before baking), wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding a bit more baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the tater tots regain some crispness, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave portions for a quick meal, but the texture of the topping won’t be as crispy. To refresh the crunch, finish under the broiler for a minute or two if desired.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and works wonderfully in this casserole without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! You can swap the breakfast sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives and use cream of mushroom soup that is vegetarian-friendly. This keeps the hearty feel while making it meat-free.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be cooked along with the sausage to boost nutrition and add more flavor layers. Just be mindful of moisture content so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup makes a great alternative and provides a similar creamy texture with a milder flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 to 8 hearty servings, perfect for families or small gatherings. It’s filling and satisfying, so leftovers are common and welcome!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that becomes a beloved staple in your recipe box. The blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory elements is pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast, a crowd-pleasing dinner, or a warm and hearty meal anytime, this casserole fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try soon and watch it become a new family favorite!
Print
Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Tater Tot Sausage Casserole combining savory breakfast sausage, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy golden tater tots, baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided, 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup)
Topping
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and diced onion until browned and fully cooked, breaking the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat.
- Season Mixture: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cooked sausage and onion to infuse flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sausage mixture. This creates a crispy golden topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the hot casserole and return it to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- This casserole works great for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, making it versatile.
- For variations, add diced bell peppers to the sausage mixture or substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling it and refrigerating; then bake it fresh in the morning.
- Use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
