Description
This hearty Tater Tot Sausage Casserole is an easy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It features savory browned breakfast sausage mixed with creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy golden tater tots baked to perfection. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into a satisfying one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (regular or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 package frozen tater tots (32 oz)
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully crumbled. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, and stir until well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the sausage mixture evenly in the dish, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer evenly on top of the mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and the casserole mixture is bubbling around the edges.
- Optional Garnish: If desired, sprinkle extra cheese, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon on top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- You can use spicy sausage for a kick or mild sausage to keep it more neutral.
- Drain the sausage well to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Make sure to distribute the tater tots in a single layer for even crispiness.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking chilled.
- Optional toppings add extra flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler dish.
