Tater Tot Sausage Casserole: The Best Comfort Food!

Introduction

Have you ever wondered if there’s a dish so universally loved that it can satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your family gatherings or potlucks? Look no further than the Tater Tot Sausage Casserole! This hearty, flavorful casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It combines crispy tater tots with savory sausage, all baked to perfection in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

This recipe takes just 90 minutes from start to finish, which is 20% less time than many traditional casseroles. And the best part? It’s so easy to make that even novice cooks can whip up this crowd-pleaser with confidence. So, if you’re craving comfort food, this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole recipe is the ULTIMATE crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.

Table of Contents

Ingredients List

For this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference). You can also substitute with ground turkey or beef if you prefer.
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, diced (any color you like)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (cream of chicken or celery works too)
1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best, but 2% is fine)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Timing

Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need to make this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes (including stovetop cooking and oven baking)
Total Time: 70 minutes (plus 20 minutes cooling time before serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
Add Vegetables:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Pour this mixture over the sausage and vegetables in the skillet, stirring until everything is thoroughly coated. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the sausage mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and sausage mixture, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tater tots.
Bake:
Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
Rest Before Serving:
Allowing the casserole to cool for about 20 minutes before serving makes it easier to cut into clean portions and ensures all the flavors meld together perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1/8th of the casserole
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 18g

This nutritional data is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and substitutions used.

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Sausage Swap: Use lean ground turkey sausage or plant-based sausage to reduce fat.
Cheese Swap: Use reduced-fat cheese or have fun experimenting with plant-based cheese alternatives for a lower-calorie option.
Soup Swap: Try low-sodium or “healthy request” versions of the cream of mushroom soup, or make your own from scratch to control sodium and fat content.
Tater Tot Swap: Consider using sweet potato tater tots for added fiber and nutrients, or try making your own baked tater tots from scratch using potatoes or cauliflower for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

This Tater Tot Sausage Casserole is rich and hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it also pairs well with other dishes. Consider serving it with:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the dish’s richness.
Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
A side of applesauce or cranberry sauce to complement the savory flavors.
Cornbread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Skillet: When cooking the sausage and vegetables, ensure your skillet is large enough to spread them out for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than browning.
Using Frozen Vegetables or Tater Tots Straight from the Freezer: While some recipes allow you to skip thawing, in this case, the tater tots should be frozen but free of frost. If they’re overly icy, they can make the casserole watery.
Not Letting the Casserole Rest: It’s tempting to cut into the casserole as soon as it comes out of the oven, but allowing it to rest for 20 minutes helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the casserole in the oven, especially near the end of the baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want the tater tots to burn.
Not Spicing to Taste: Depending on the sausage and cheese you use, you may need to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Reheat in the microwave until warm, or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes.

The casserole can also be frozen, either fully baked or assembled but not baked. If freezing unbaked, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. If freezing leftovers, be aware that the tater tots may lose some crispiness upon reheating.

Conclusion

If you’re craving comfort food, this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole recipe is the ULTIMATE crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Give it a try, and be prepared for requests for seconds!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (store it covered in the fridge) and bake it just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?
You can get creative with vegetables. Corn, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would work well here. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly (e.g., mushrooms should be cooked with the sausage, while spinach can be added raw).
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Yes, but it’s a bit more work. Thinly slice potatoes (parboil them first for better texture) and layer them over the filling. Baking time may vary.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Substitute plant-based sausage or crumbles for the meat and use dairy-free cheese, milk, and cream of mushroom soup alternatives.
What can I do if my casserole is too watery?
Ensure your vegetables are cooked thoroughly before adding the sauce, as they can release moisture while baking. Choosing low-moisture cheeses can also help. If it’s still watery, extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes, leaving the dish uncovered to let more liquid evaporate.

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