Sausage Gravy Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb pork breakfast sausage
02 -
1½ cups bacon crumbles
03 -
28 oz package frozen tater tots
04 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Sausage Gravy
05 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 -
¼ cup all-purpose flour
07 -
2½ cups whole milk
08 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Optional Garnish
09 -
Chopped green onions
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook pork sausage until fully browned with no pink remaining. Add butter and let melt completely. Sprinkle in flour and stir until fully incorporated with the sausage and butter.
02 -
Reduce heat to low and stir the roux occasionally for 2-3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This step prevents a floury flavor in your gravy.
03 -
Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened to gravy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
04 -
Turn off heat and stir in most of the bacon crumbles, reserving some for topping later. Mix well to distribute bacon throughout the gravy.
05 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the sausage gravy mixture evenly in your baking dish. Top with frozen tater tots in an even layer, then sprinkle with remaining bacon crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese.
06 -
Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are hot, crispy, and golden. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Cooking the roux for 2-3 minutes removes the raw flour taste from the gravy
02 -
Whisk constantly when adding milk to prevent lumps in the gravy
03 -
Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking so it sets and is easier to serve
04 -
Use an oven-safe skillet to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly