Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe – Cozy, Golden, and So Simple

Introduction

The house always smells like Saturday morning when this bakes: hot sausage, melting cheese, and tater tots crisping at the edges. Right away, I reach for my boots and a mug, because Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole warms both hands and heart. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. If you like hands-off comfort, try my tater tot breakfast bowl with sausage gravy for a similar vibe.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick to assemble, and filling for a crowd.
• Kid-approved crispy top with savory sausage.
• Budget-friendly with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Great for make-ahead breakfasts or lazy weeknight dinners.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 60 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: savory + cheesy with crispy edges

Warm, straightforward, and reliable — you’ll feel confident making this the first time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage — use your favorite brand
• 1 30-32 ounces bag frozen tater tots — thaw slightly for easier mixing
• 1 teaspoon salt — adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper — fresh cracked if possible
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder — enhances depth
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder — gentle sweetness
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese — sharp or mild works
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese — for melty stretch
• 8 eggs — room temperature for even mixing
• 2 cups milk — whole milk gives best texture

Chef notes: Fresh garlic = bigger flavor; Room-temp eggs mix better; Thawing tots slightly helps toss.

Also, if you enjoy other cozy bakes, I often make a sausage and biscuit breakfast casserole when I want a softer top.

How to Make It

1. First, preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and spray a 9×13 inch pan.
2. Then, heat a large skillet over medium and add the sausage; cook until crumbly and nicely browned. You’ll hear a steady sizzle and smell the savory aroma.
3. Next, drain off excess grease so the casserole doesn’t get greasy.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl toss the browned sausage with the cheeses and tater tots until they’re evenly mixed. The tots should look evenly coated.
5. After that, spread the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer and press lightly so it stays together.
6. Meanwhile, whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and pale.
7. Then, pour the egg mixture over the tater tots and gently stir so the liquid seeps into the nooks but doesn’t make the tots soggy.
8. Finally, bake about 60 minutes until the center feels set and the edges turn golden brown; a toothpick in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes; the casserole firms up and slices cleanly. Serve warm.

If you like a crisper top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.

Also try the cheesy bacon and hash brown casserole for another crunchy-cheesy option.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Brown sausage the night before and refrigerate; then assemble quickly.
2. Common mistake + fix: If your casserole looks watery, bake a bit longer and let it rest; the custard firms up as it cools.
3. Simple variation: Stir in chopped green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra warmth.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: Serve with a simple green salad and pickled red onions.
• Brunch spread: Pair with fresh fruit and a pot of coffee for relaxed guests.
• Holiday breakfast: Add roasted veggies on the side for balance.
• Garnish idea: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives and a dollop of sour cream.

Also, try it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts for contrast.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness.
  Leftover idea: Make a hearty breakfast sandwich with an egg, reheated slice, and hot sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake an extra 10–15 minutes if cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients?
A: Sure — swap breakfast sausage for ground turkey or cooked crumbled bacon. For a lighter dish, use reduced-fat cheese, though texture will change.

Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: The center should be set and the edges golden; a toothpick will come out mostly clean.

Q: Can I freeze Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole?
A: Yes, freeze baked portions; thaw overnight and reheat in the oven so the top crisps again.

Finally, if you enjoy savory casseroles, check out my cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole and cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage for more ideas.

Conclusion

For more inspiration, I like the classic take at TATER TOT SAUSAGE CASSEROLE – The Southern Lady Cooks and a breakfast-forward spin at Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole – Salty Side Dish.

Final Thoughts
I hope you make this for a crowd and taste that first hot forkful — it always makes the house feel like home. Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole

Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole

A cozy, golden, and simple casserole featuring savory sausage, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, perfect for a family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage Use your favorite brand
• 1 30-32 ounces bag frozen tater tots Thaw slightly for easier mixing
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper Fresh cracked if possible
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances depth
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder Gentle sweetness
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp or mild works
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese For melty stretch
• 8 eggs Room temperature for even mixing
• 2 cups milk Whole milk gives best texture

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and spray a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium and add the sausage; cook until crumbly and nicely browned.
3. Drain off excess grease to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
4. In a large bowl, toss the browned sausage with the cheeses and tater tots until evenly mixed.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer and press lightly.

Mixing

1. Whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
2. Pour the egg mixture over the tater tots and gently stir to ensure the liquid seeps into the nooks.

Baking

1. Bake for about 60 minutes until the center feels set and edges turn golden brown.
2. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
3. For a crisper top, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching closely.

Notes

Time-saver: Brown sausage the night before. Let the casserole rest if it looks watery. Variations include adding green onions or smoked paprika.