Mornings in my house have always had a special rhythm—slow, warm, and filled with the irresistible smells of breakfast baking in the oven. And nothing quite says “weekend comfort” like a hearty casserole bubbling away while the coffee brews and the kitchen fills with laughter (or at least some sleepy chatter). One of the dishes that’s made countless appearances on our table is this Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole—a golden, crispy, cheesy masterpiece that’s just as perfect for lazy Saturdays as it is for busy holiday mornings.

This casserole has a bit of everything: crispy tater tots that soak up all the flavor, savory beef sausage, and gooey melted cheese held together with a fluffy egg custard. It’s the kind of dish that people ask for seconds of—then the recipe. What I love most is how easily it comes together. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it dishes that works great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just making sure breakfast feels a little extra special.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll love that this recipe is fully customizable, too. You can prep it the night before, toss in your favorite veggies, or make it just as-is for a simple but satisfying start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to Prepare – Just layer, whisk, pour, and bake.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for brunch parties, holidays, or feeding a hungry family.
• Comfort in Every Bite – Crispy, cheesy, savory goodness in every forkful.
• Customizable – Add in peppers, onions, spinach—whatever you’ve got on hand!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 (16-oz) package of beef sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (30-oz) bag of frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

HOW TO MAKE TATER TOT SAUSAGE BREAKFAST CASSEROLE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want your oven nice and hot so the tater tots crisp up beautifully while the eggs bake to perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your beef sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistible, savory smell that lets everyone know breakfast is about to be something special.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Now, layer your frozen tater tots across the top. You can scatter them or line them up in neat rows if you’re feeling a little extra.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole. The liquid will settle down between the layers, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Bake It Up
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are golden brown on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving so everything holds together when you slice it.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Make It Ahead: You can prep the whole casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning—maybe add a few extra minutes since it’ll be cold going into the oven.
• Get Crispy Tots: For extra crispy tater tots on top, try baking them for a few minutes on a sheet pan before assembling the casserole.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can use a blend of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a little kick.
• Add Some Veggies: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach all work beautifully here for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal-friendly (with beef sausage and turkey-based substitutions)

NOTES:

This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling it and using two baking dishes. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
You can, but it changes the texture quite a bit. Tater tots give that crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bite. If using shredded hash browns, make sure they’re thawed and dried well.

Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even diced turkey ham work great here. Just make sure it’s cooked before layering.

Is this dish spicy?
Not as written. But if you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven for best texture. This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat before serving.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Sausage and Egg Casserole
• Crack Breakfast Casserole
• Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
• Hamburger Potato Casserole:A Hearty, Comforting Meal for Every Occasion

CONCLUSION

This Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re whipping it up for a Sunday brunch, prepping breakfast for the week, or treating overnight guests to a hearty morning spread, this recipe never disappoints. It’s comforting, customizable, and full of flavor. So the next time you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, give this casserole a try—it might just become a new family favorite.

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