If you’ve been on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort dish to add to your rotation, let me introduce you to the ultimate favorite: the Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe. This hearty casserole brings together perfectly browned sausage, creamy mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and of course, crispy tater tots on top, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s just bursting with flavor and texture. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out and makes you wish leftovers lasted forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe is a breeze, thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding savory depth, creamy richness, or that irresistible crunch on top.
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage: Choose regular or spicy based on your flavor preference to kick off the savory base of the casserole.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): Creamy and comforting, it ties the ingredients together with a smooth texture and umami flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and creaminess that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it enhances every bite with rich, gooey goodness.
- 1 package frozen tater tots (32 oz): The star topping, these tots bake into a golden, crispy crust that’s pure satisfaction.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for rounding out the flavors just right.
- Optional toppings (chopped green onions, extra cheese, or crumbled bacon): Perfect for adding extra color, crunch, and flavor on top.
How to Make Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready so the casserole bakes evenly and the tater tots crisp up to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbled. It’s important to drain off any excess grease here to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavor that makes the casserole so comforting.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the sausage mixture evenly over the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer on top of the filling. This will create that signature crispy crust everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are beautifully golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
Step 6: Optional Garnish
If you want to take your Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe to the next level, sprinkle on some extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes so that your toppings melt and meld perfectly.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your casserole with garnishes like fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and a mild oniony bite, or crispy crumbled bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor. A little sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese melted on top adds an unbeatable gooey finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh, light sides. Think along the lines of a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to add a nutritious touch and vibrant color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, portion your Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe into individual ramekins before baking, making it perfect for parties or family dinners. Or serve it straight from the pan but topped with mixed fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a restaurant-style presentation that’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to save some for later. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it; cover it well with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the tater tots regain their crispiness, usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, though they won’t be quite as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional, you can swap in Italian sausage, ground beef, or turkey sausage depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian twist that still delivers on flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the tater tots right before baking to ensure they crisp up perfectly.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade creamy sauce made from sour cream and sautéed mushrooms, which will still provide the rich, comforting flavor that’s key in this recipe.
How spicy is this dish if I use spicy sausage?
The heat level depends on the sausage you choose. Using spicy breakfast sausage adds a nice kick, but the sour cream and cheese help mellow it out, making it pleasantly balanced rather than overwhelmingly spicy.
Final Thoughts
The Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or just craving pure comfort food, this casserole delivers with its incredible blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures. Give it a try soon—I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Print
Tater Tot Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Sausage Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It features ground breakfast sausage cooked to perfection, mixed with creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, all layered under a crispy blanket of golden-brown tater tots. Baked to bubbly, cheesy goodness, this casserole is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (regular or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 package frozen tater tots (32 oz)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste and mix everything until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the sausage mixture evenly on the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sausage mixture for an even crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
- Optional Garnish: If desired, sprinkle extra cheese, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon on top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the toppings.
Notes
- You can use either regular or spicy breakfast sausage depending on your preferred level of heat.
- For a thicker casserole, drain more grease from the cooked sausage than usual.
- If using extra cheese or bacon as toppings, add them near the end of baking to preserve texture and flavor.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble it ahead and freeze before baking for a convenient meal later.
- Adjust salt carefully as the cream of mushroom soup and cheese already contribute saltiness.
