**Tater Tot Sausage and Gravy Casserole**
**Ingredients:**
– **1 lb (450g) sausage** (breakfast sausage or ground pork)
– **1 bag (32 oz)** frozen tater tots
– **2 cups (500ml)** milk
– **2 tablespoons** all-purpose flour
– **1/4 cup (60g)** butter
– **1/2 teaspoon** garlic powder
– **1/2 teaspoon** onion powder
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 cup (100g)** shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
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**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**.
2. **Cook the Sausage**
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain excess grease and set the sausage aside.
3. **Make the Gravy**
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a gravy consistency. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. **Assemble the Casserole**
In a baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bottom. Pour the gravy on top of the sausage layer. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the gravy.
5. **Bake**
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for **25-30 minutes** until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
6. **Optional – Add Cheese**
For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let the cheese melt and turn bubbly.
7. **Serve**
Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
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**Optional Additions:**
– **Vegetables**: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
– **Spices**: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a kick.
– **Gravy Variations**: Substitute sausage gravy with beef or chicken gravy for a different twist.
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**Tips for Success:**
– **Crispy Tater Tots**: For extra crispy tater tots, you can pre-bake them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes before assembling the casserole.
– **Consistency**: If your gravy seems too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook down a bit longer to thicken.
– **Cheese Lovers**: Don’t hesitate to double the cheese if you’re a fan of cheesy casseroles!
**Nutritional Information** (per serving, based on 6 servings):
– **Calories**: 550 kcal
– **Protein**: 20g
– **Carbohydrates**: 35g
– **Fat**: 38g
– **Fiber**: 3g
– **Sodium**: 1200mg
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**Conclusion:**
This **Tater Tot Sausage and Gravy Casserole** is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or brunch. The crispy tater tots combined with the savory sausage and creamy gravy create an irresistible meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making this for a cozy Sunday morning or for a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
**Recommendation:**
Serve this casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. You can also prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal during the week.
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**Embracing Healthful Indulgence:**
While this casserole leans toward indulgence, you can modify it by using turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage, and opting for a light gravy made with almond milk or skim milk for a healthier spin. You can still enjoy this comfort food with a lighter touch!
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I hope this recipe matches what you’re looking for based on the image! Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or if you want to explore other variations.