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Pioneer Woman Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Pioneer Woman Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole - recipe card
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This hearty breakfast casserole layers crispy tater tots with fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and savory sausage for a satisfying morning meal. The tots stay crunchy on top while the eggs bake into a tender, custard-like center, making every bite a perfect balance of textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb frozen tater tots
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 oz mild or hot turkey sausage, crumbled (about 1/2 cup cooked)
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are well coated to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the crumbled turkey sausage. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat; set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds. This ensures the eggs are evenly seasoned and create a light, fluffy texture as they bake.
  5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the greased baking dish. They should cover the bottom evenly, but you can place a few extra in gaps to maximize coverage.
  6. Sprinkle the sautéed vegetables and cooked sausage evenly over the tater tots, distributing them across the entire surface.
  7. Pour the egg mixture over the tater tots and toppings, tilting the dish gently to ensure the liquid reaches all corners. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the eggs begin to seep around the tots.
  8. Top the casserole evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese, covering all the ingredients. The cheese will form a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
  9. Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the eggs are fully set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean), the cheese is melted and lightly browned, and the exposed tater tot edges are crispy. If the top is browning too quickly after 30 minutes, tent loosely with foil.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This allows the custard to firm up slightly for clean slicing. Serve warm.
  11. If desired, garnishes like fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream can be added just before serving for extra flavor, though they are not required.

Notes

Storage: The baked casserole keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway. For the full casserole, reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes to re-crisp the tots. Note: This recipe uses turkey sausage to keep the dish lighter and avoid pork; do not substitute bacon or pork sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, tater tot recipe, egg casserole, sausage breakfast bake, cheesy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, brunch dish, American breakfast, hearty breakfast

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-tater-tot-breakfast-casserole/