Description
This hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a perfect blend of crispy tater tots, savory breakfast sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a rich mixture of eggs and cheese. Baked to perfection, it makes a delicious, comforting breakfast or brunch dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
Egg Mixture
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup mild salsa
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 2 pinches chili powder
- 3 pinches onion powder
- 3 pinches garlic powder
- Salt and pepper for taste
Vegetables
- 2 2/3 cups bell peppers (red, green, yellow, and orange), diced
- 2/3 cup diced onions
- 2 tsp finely minced garlic
- 1 minced jalapeno
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Other
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend recommended)
- 12 oz fried breakfast sausages, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Lay out the frozen or cooked tater tots evenly across the greased baking pan to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pan you cooked the sausage in, heat over medium heat and sauté the diced bell peppers and onions for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mild salsa, and seasonings: oregano, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sliced breakfast sausages, sautéed vegetables, jalapeno, and one cup of shredded cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg and sausage mixture evenly over the tater tots in the baking pan. Spread it out to cover the tots completely.
- Bake Initial Layer: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the eggs have set.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top, then return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes, according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions if desired, slice into portions, and serve warm.
- Alternative Method for Uncooked Tater Tots: If you choose not to pre-cook the tater tots, assemble the casserole as described and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until eggs are fully set. Then sprinkle the cheese on top and bake until melted.
Notes
- Pre-cooking tater tots by baking, air frying, or frying results in a crispier texture and better overall texture in the casserole. If using fried tots, drain well on paper towels.
- Tater tots can be used straight from the freezer without precooking, but this may result in a softer, more mushy texture in the casserole.
- For best results, pour the egg mixture over hot, crispy tater tots; this cuts down baking time and enhances texture.
- You can freeze the assembled casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Prepare the casserole in advance by assembling and refrigerating before baking. If the egg mixture is cold, baking time may be longer.
