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Here’s what you need for the Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole: - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots - 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled - 6 large eggs - 1 cup milk - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (a mix of red and green) - 1/2 cup diced onion - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish, optional) These simple ingredients combine to create a hearty dish. The frozen tater tots form a crispy base that holds all the flavors. The sausage adds a savory touch, while the eggs and milk create a fluffy texture. Cheese melts into gooey goodness, making each bite delightful. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onion add color and crunch. Spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. Feel free to experiment with other veggies or cheeses to make this dish your own. Using what you have on hand can lead to tasty surprises. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your casserole cook evenly. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of crumbled breakfast sausage. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure it is browned and no longer pink. Once done, remove it from heat and set it aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and 1 cup of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is blended well. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. Spread half of the frozen tater tots on the bottom. This creates a sturdy base for your casserole. Evenly scatter the cooked sausage over the tater tots. Next, add 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1/2 cup of diced onion. Make sure to distribute these well for great flavor in each bite. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the sausage and veggies. Ensure it covers everything evenly. This helps the flavors blend together while baking. Top off the casserole with the remaining tater tots. Arrange them evenly. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering every corner for a cheesy finish. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. You know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the tater tots are crispy. After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice. Serve each square with a sprinkle of fresh chives for a tasty touch, if you like. Cook the sausage in a hot skillet. Use medium heat for even cooking. Crumble the sausage as it cooks. This helps it brown nicely. Make sure there is no pink left. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before adding it to the casserole. This prevents extra moisture in your dish. For crispy tater tots, start with frozen ones. Do not thaw them before baking. Layer half of them at the bottom of the dish. This creates a crunchy base. When you add more on top, it helps keep the texture. Bake them until golden brown on top. This usually takes about 45-50 minutes. You can change the flavors to fit your taste. Try adding different spices like cumin or chili powder. You can also switch the cheese. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick. For a veggie boost, add spinach or mushrooms. Mix in more bell peppers for color. Each tweak creates a fun twist on the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh bell peppers and onions instead of frozen. This adds a vibrant flavor and crunch to your casserole. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique flavor twist. Just ensure they melt well! Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast. Check for Doneness: If your casserole is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside cooks through. {{image_4}} You can make a vegetarian version of this dish easily. Replace the breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage. This keeps the flavor and texture. Look for brands that crumble like meat. You can also use lentils or black beans for protein. These add a nice texture and taste. Cheese adds creaminess and flavor. While cheddar is classic, you can switch it up! Try mozzarella for a milder, stretchy cheese. Feta brings a tangy flavor that works great. You can even use pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mix and match cheeses for a fun twist! Want to boost the nutrition? Add more veggies! Spinach adds color and nutrients without strong flavors. Zucchini or mushrooms can add moisture and texture. Just be sure to chop them small. This way, they cook well and mix in. Make your casserole colorful and tasty! To keep your Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it up. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating. You can freeze the casserole if you have extra. Cut it into portions for easier thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just slice them thin. Parboil the slices until slightly tender. This keeps them from being too hard in the casserole. Replace the tater tots with a layer of these fresh slices in the dish. The texture will be different, but it can taste great! To make this casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free sausage. Many brands offer this option. Also, check the tater tots for gluten-free certification. Most frozen tater tots are naturally gluten-free. This way, you keep all the flavor without gluten. You can serve a fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon. A side of mixed greens adds crunch and color. If you want something warm, serve with toast or biscuits. These sides balance the meal and add variety. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! You now have a complete guide to making a tasty Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers. This dish is easy and fun for everyone. You can enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast with family or friends. Get creative with your own flavors and toppings. Try it out and make it your new favorite meal!

Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole

A hearty breakfast casserole featuring layers of tater tots, crumbled sausage, eggs, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 0.5 cup diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • optional fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom.
  • Scatter the cooked sausage over the tater tots, then add the diced bell peppers and onions evenly.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetable layers, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
  • Top with the remaining tater tots and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh chives for added flavor.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, sausage, tater tots