Description

This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast dish that combines the savory flavors of sausage, eggs, and melted cheese with the crispy texture of tater tots. Perfect for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week, this casserole is as convenient as it is delicious. The ingredients are layered in a baking dish, then baked to perfection, offering a well-balanced and filling breakfast in every bite. This recipe is highly customizable, making it easy to adapt to different preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or reheating leftovers, this breakfast casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lbs sweet Italian sausage links
2 bell peppers sliced
2 onions sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 32 oz package frozen tater tots
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

For the Egg Mixture:

8 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

For Serving (Optional):

Hoagie buns
Provolone cheese slices
Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage links until browned and fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
Remove the sausage from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and brown sugar. Stir well and simmer for 15 minutes.

Assemble the Casserole:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen tater tots, cooked sausage slices, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tater tot and sausage mixture in the baking dish.

Refrigerate or Bake:

If preparing ahead, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
If baking immediately, proceed to the next step.

Bake the Casserole:

Bake uncovered for 60-70 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.

Serve:

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot, optionally with hoagie buns, provolone cheese slices, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Customizable: This recipe is extremely versatile. You can use different types of sausage (spicy, mild, or turkey), or substitute with bacon or ham. Add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to pack in extra nutrients and flavor.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is the classic cheese used in this dish, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Prep in Advance: One of the best things about this casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the oven for a fresh, hot breakfast with minimal effort.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well both before and after baking. For easy meal prep, assemble a couple of these casseroles and freeze them for later use. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh fruit salad, toast, or roasted veggies for a balanced breakfast. Add garnishes like fresh herbs, hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavor.
Perfect for Brunch or Gatherings: This casserole is ideal for feeding a crowd. It’s great for potlucks, brunch parties, or holiday mornings when you need to feed guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Reheating Tips: Reheat leftover casserole in the oven for the best texture or use the microwave for a quick warm-up. The oven will help the tater tots stay crisp.