Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or your preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or whisk
Instructions
Make the gravy:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the breakfast sausage. If using links, crumble as it cooks. If there’s a lot of grease, drain most of it off.
- (Optional) Add the chopped onion to the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, adding a little at a time and stirring continuously until smooth.
- Season with salt and plenty of black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
Assemble the casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the sausage gravy evenly over the tater tots.
- (Optional) Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the gravy is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Customization: Add other veggies like mushrooms or bell pepper. Use your favorite cheese or make it a little spicy with some cayenne.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Enjoy your satisfying sausage gravy tater tot casserole!
