Description
Hearty “tater tot sausage breakfast casserole” brings comfort and flavor to weekend mornings with its satisfying blend of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Each forkful promises a delicious start that will energize you through the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) sweet Italian sausage links
Vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce Components:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5-ounce (411 grams) can diced tomatoes with juice
Topping and Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 32-ounce (907 grams) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage links over medium heat until fully cooked, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Remove sausage from skillet, allow to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Using the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, and garlic until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and brown sugar to the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly and simmering for 15 minutes.
- Combine frozen tater tots, sliced sausage, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a separate bowl until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently pour the egg mixture over the tater tot and sausage layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 60-70 minutes, monitoring to prevent excessive browning.
- If the top becomes too dark, cover with aluminum foil during the last portion of cooking.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Plate and garnish with optional accompaniments like hoagie buns, provolone cheese, or Parmesan cheese sprinkles.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Wisely: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save morning cooking time, allowing flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Customize Protein Options: Swap sausage with turkey sausage, bacon bits, or vegetarian crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
- Control Moisture Balance: Pat tater tots dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid and ensure a crispy, golden-brown top layer that maintains ideal texture.
- Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, Swiss, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg