Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole

As the weather turns cooler – faster than I would like – I start wanting to make all the comfort food. And one of our favorite comfort food casseroles is this creamy, cheesy Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole!

 
Did you eat Tater Tot Casserole as a child? I honestly don’t think it was really a thing in our house, but once I was older, my uncle started bringing it to holidays. Now everyone asks for it, because it’s so good. Did you eat Tater Tot Casserole as a child? I honestly don’t think it was really a thing in our house, but once I was older, my uncle started bringing it to holidays. Now everyone asks for it, because it’s so good.

Tater Tot Casserole is such a classic comfort food. And now that fall is headed into winter, this Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Plus, it makes enough that you’ll probably have leftovers for a second round of dinner! Tater Tot Casserole is such a classic comfort food. And now that fall is headed into winter, this Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Plus, it makes enough that you’ll probably have leftovers for a second round of dinner!

I’ve taken the basic casserole and mixed it up a bit, while keeping it family-friendly. To me, a sausage and peppers skillet is also a warm, comforting meal. So it just seems obvious that combing the two meals would be extra warm and extra comforting.

Spoiler: I was right. (If your kids are pepper-opposed, you can always just sprinkle your sauteed peppers over half of the casserole and leave the other half plain.) I’ve taken the basic casserole and mixed it up a bit, while keeping it family-friendly. To me, a sausage and peppers skillet is also a warm, comforting meal. So it just seems obvious that combing the two meals would be extra warm and extra comforting.

Add this casserole to your dinner rotation, and you won’t hear any complaints from your family! Add this casserole to your dinner rotation, and you won’t hear any complaints from your family!

Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole – the Ingredients

Here’s a quick grocery list reference for you. You’ll need: Here’s a quick grocery list reference for you. You’ll need:

• • ground turkey sausage (pork will work too!)
  • frozen tater tots
  • 2-3 bell peppers, any color
  • cream of mushroom soup (I used Pacific Foods, because it’s organic soup so there’s no weird ingredients. You could also make homemade!)
  • sour cream
  • shredded cheddar
  • shredded parmesan (can just use cheddar if you don’t want to buy 2 separate cheeses)
  • salt and pepper

That’s it! Most of these are pantry/freezer staples, so I just had to pick up some fresh peppers and a bag of tater tots. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! That’s it! Most of these are pantry/freezer staples, so I just had to pick up some fresh peppers and a bag of tater tots. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Making the Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 13×9 cassserole dish with cooking spray.

Heat a large skillet over medium on your stove. Add the roll of turkey sausage and cook. While sausage cooks, slice and dice the bell peppers. 

Once the sausage is mostly cooked, drain off excess grease. Add the peppers to the skillet and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, letting the peppers get just slightly soft.

Turn off heat and pour in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir to combine. Then pour the mixture into the 13×9 casserole dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture.

Lay tater tots over the top of the casserole in rows with sides touching. The casserole will take most of the tater tots in a 30 oz bag; I usually have about a handful left over. Once you’ve laid down all of your tater tots, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top. Freshly shredded cheddar will melt the best, but I used preshredded because it’s what was in the refrigerator. Use what you’ve got!

Bake the Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole at 350 for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden, the cheese is melted and the sides are bubbly.

Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Tips/Tricks/Substitution/Additions

Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes! See below to turn this casserole into a make-ahead freezer meal!

I don’t want to use cream of mushroom soup. Can I use just sour cream instead? I don’t recommend that, because it’ll be too tangy. I recommend using an organic cream of mushroom, like Pacific Foods, or making a homemade cream of mushroom soup to use.
Can I use reduced-fat cheese? You can, but it won’t melt as well. If you’re okay with a less melty cheese, go for it!

Tips for Making This Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole into a Freezer Meal

You can pre-assemble this casserole and freeze it for future use. Just follow the recipe to put the whole casserole together (I suggest using a 13×9 disposable pan or one you won’t miss for a while!).

Once the casserole is put together, cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil (two layers will help to seal and prevent freezer burn). Label with the date, place in the freezer, and use within 3 months.

To cook freezer meal: remove from freezer, uncover, and place immediately in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until cheese is melted, top is golden brown and sides are bubbly. Note: I don’t recommend letting this one thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter, because the tater tots are meant to be cooked from frozen.

When you make this delicious Sausage and Peppers Tater Tot Casserole, be sure to take a photo and post it on Instagram. Make sure to tag me (@biscuitsandgrading)! I can’t wait to see it!

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