Hearty Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole: The Perfect Make-Ahead Meal
If you’re a busy mom, you know that breakfast can be one of the toughest meals to get right. Between getting the kids ready for school, managing morning chaos, and still finding time to enjoy your coffee, making a nutritious breakfast often feels like an impossible task. That’s why I’m excited to share one of my favorite go-to morning recipes: Hearty Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole.
This casserole has everything you need for a filling and balanced breakfast—protein, veggies, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that will not only satisfy hungry kids but also fuel them for the day ahead. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep, weekend brunch, or those busy weekday mornings when you need something quick but homemade.
Why This Breakfast Casserole Works:
- Kid-Friendly: Packed with familiar flavors like sausage, bacon, and tater tots, this is a recipe even picky eaters will love.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole the night before, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply need to feed a large family, this casserole serves multiple people with ease.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences, making it a versatile recipe for busy moms.
Let’s dive into how to make this easy yet delicious casserole!
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fine salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped, divided
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese, divided
- 6 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups milk of choice (we used 2%)
- 1 (28-ounce or two 16-ounce) package frozen tater tots or crispy crowns
- Optional for serving: Sour cream, sliced green onions, hot sauce, additional bacon
See more of my breakfast favorites here
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and lightly mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step ensures your casserole will come out of the dish easily when it’s done baking.
2. Cook the Sausage & Veggies: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Mist the pan with cooking spray, then add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and breakfast sausage. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the sausage is fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
3. Add Bacon: Stir in 4 slices of chopped cooked bacon (save the rest for later) and transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
4. Add Cheese & Tater Tots: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese and the frozen tater tots. Toss everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed in the baking dish.
5. Whisk Eggs & Milk: In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
6. Pour & Top: Pour the egg mixture over the casserole, making sure it evenly coats all the ingredients. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and the remaining 2 slices of chopped bacon.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is lightly golden. If you want an extra crispy top, turn the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
8. Garnish & Serve: Serve slices of the casserole with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, hot sauce, or extra bacon.
Make It Your Own:
This recipe is so easy to adjust based on what you and your family enjoy. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Swap the Meat: Instead of sausage, you can use cooked ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add More Veggies: Sneak in extra vegetables like diced tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms. It’s a great way to boost the nutritional value.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk and substitute with dairy-free cheese if needed.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Make-Ahead Tips:
One of the best things about this casserole is that it’s a great make-ahead option. You can prep everything the night before, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time to account for it being cold from the fridge.
Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but if you’re hosting brunch or feeding a crowd, here are some great sides to serve alongside it:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The light, refreshing flavors of fruit balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Toast or Biscuits: Serve with warm buttered toast or flaky biscuits for a comforting, classic breakfast combination.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: Pair with your favorite coffee or tea for the ultimate brunch experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
This Hearty Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole is ideal for more than just weekday breakfasts. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
