Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using too small a skillet
  2. Over-thickening the gravy before baking
  3. Not adding enough black pepper
  4. Skipping the rest time after baking
  5. Having ingredients at different temperatures

Expert Tips for Success

  • Bring milk to room temperature before adding
  • Season generously – gravy loves pepper
  • Don’t overcrowd the tots
  • Let skillet cool slightly before adding milk
  • Use freshly ground black pepper

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Prep

  • Preheat oven according to tot package
  • Gather all ingredients
  • Measure ingredients in advance
  • Bring milk to room temperature

STEP 2: Cook Sausage

  • Heat large skillet over medium-high
  • Add sausage and break into pieces
  • Add cauliflower if using
  • Cook until no pink remains

STEP 3: Make Gravy

  • Sprinkle flour over meat
  • Cook flour 1 minute
  • Slowly whisk in milk
  • Stir constantly until smooth

STEP 4: Season and Thicken

  • Add seasoned salt
  • Add generous black pepper
  • Simmer until slightly thickened
  • Check seasoning levels

STEP 5: Add Tots and Bake

  • Arrange tots in circular pattern
  • Some sinking is normal
  • Bake until golden brown
  • Let rest 5 minutes

Make-Ahead Options

  • Prepare gravy base in advance
  • Store in refrigerator up to 24 hours
  • Reheat before adding tots
  • Add extra milk if needed

Serving Suggestions

  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Mixed green salad
  • Fresh berries
  • Breakfast meat sides

Variations

  • Spicy Version- Add red pepper flakes
  • Cheese Lover’s- Add shredded cheese on top
  • Veggie Packed- Double the cauliflower
  • Extra Meaty- Add crumbled bacon
  • Southwest Style- Add diced peppers and onions

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator- Store leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
  • Freezer- Not recommended, affects tot texture
  • Reheating- Best in oven at 350°F until hot
  • Microwave- Possible but tots won’t be crispy
  • Make ahead- Gravy can be made 24 hours ahead

FAQ

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice? Yes! No need to thaw first. Add directly to sausage while cooking.

Why isn’t my gravy thickening? Make sure to:

  • Cook flour for full minute
  • Whisk constantly while adding milk
  • Simmer until slightly thickened
  • Remember it thickens more while baking

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but use larger baking dish instead of skillet. Brown meat and make gravy in batches.

What’s the best milk substitute? Unsweetened almond milk works surprisingly well. Oat milk is another good option.

Can I add cheese? Yes! Add shredded cheese in last 5 minutes of baking.

Sausage Gravy Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

One-skillet comfort food perfect for breakfast or dinner. Creamy sausage gravy topped with crispy tater tots for an irresistible family meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Servings: 5
Calories: 623 kcal

Ingredients

For the Gravy Base:

  • 1 lb gluten-free breakfast sausage
  • 1 cup riced cauliflower (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour blend
  • 2½ cups milk (any variety)
  • 1 teaspoon homemade seasoned salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

For Topping:

  • 1 (30 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • Chopped green onions (optional)
  • Extra black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven according to tater tot package directions (usually 425°F).
  2. Heat large (11-3/4″ minimum) oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add sausage and cauliflower, breaking meat into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, sprinkle flour over meat. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Remove from heat, arrange tots in circular pattern on top.
  8. Bake according to tot package time until golden brown.
  9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Recipe Notes:

  • Use room temperature milk for smoothest gravy
  • Don’t over-thicken before baking
  • Some tots sinking is normal
  • Adjust pepper to taste
  • Let rest before serving

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 623
  • Fat: 41g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 1419mg
  • Iron: 2mg
  • Calcium: 102mg
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