Introduction
Looking for a hearty and delicious breakfast casserole that will please the whole family? This dish combines savory ground sausage, colorful bell peppers, and crispy tater tots, all baked together with eggs and creamy cheese. Easy to prepare and sure to satisfy, this recipe is perfect for brunch, gatherings, or a cozy family meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 32-ounce bag tater tots, cooked
– 1 pound ground sausage
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and crumbly.
3. Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan and continue cooking until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and shredded Colby Jack cheese until thoroughly combined.
5. Add the cooked sausage, bell peppers, and cooked tater tots to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the eggs have set and the casserole has started to pull away from the sides of the dish.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the sausage
In a large pan over medium heat, add the ground sausage and cook it until it is browned and crumbly. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
3. Add the bell peppers
Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan. Continue cooking until the peppers have softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the egg mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and shredded Colby Jack cheese. Ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine the mixture
Add the cooked sausage and bell peppers to the egg mixture. Then, gently fold in the cooked tater tots. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the egg mixture.
6. Transfer to baking dish
Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
7. Bake the casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The casserole is done when the eggs are set and it starts to pull away from the sides of the dish.
8. Serve and enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious dish hot!
Notes
Storage Tips
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the ground sausage with turkey sausage or a meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
Cheese Variations
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Add-ins
Consider adding other vegetables, such as spinach, onions, or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Cooking Sausage
To cook the ground sausage, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and crumbly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Softening Bell Peppers
After the sausage is cooked, add diced red and green bell peppers to the pan. Continue to cook until they are softened, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This adds flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Whisking Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, and shredded Colby Jack cheese. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these ingredients until smooth. This mixture serves as the binding component for the casserole.
Combining Ingredients
After preparing the sausage and vegetables, add them along with the cooked tater tots to the egg mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated and combines well for a consistent texture.
Baking the Casserole
Transfer the combined mixture to a baking dish and place it in a preheated oven set to 350°F. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the eggs have set properly and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Colby Jack cheese with other types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
What can I add to increase the vegetable content?
You can add ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content and add more nutrition to the casserole.
Can this dish be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the eggs have set and the top is slightly golden. You can test the center with a knife; if it comes out clean, it’s ready to serve.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
Conclusion
The tater tot breakfast casserole is a delightful dish that combines hearty ingredients into a comforting meal. The combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese with crispy tater tots makes it a perfect choice for brunch or a family gathering. Enjoying this casserole hot from the oven creates a satisfying start to the day or a delightful late-night snack.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Version
Swap the ground sausage for black beans or crumbled tofu, and include additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Twist
Incorporate diced jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture to give the casserole a spicy kick.
Herbed Variation
Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or basil into the egg mixture for a fragrant touch.
Different Cheese Types
Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for heat, feta for a tangy flavor, or a sharp cheddar for more depth.
Breakfast Meat Alternatives
Try swapping the ground sausage with bacon or ham for a different savory flavor profile.
Breakfast Burrito Style
Add some diced avocado and salsa on top before serving to create a delicious breakfast burrito-style dish.
