There’s something about fall that makes you want to grab a warm blanket, light a candle, and fill the kitchen with the comforting aroma of something baking. That’s where this Sausage Ranch Tater Tot Casserole comes in, a dish that blends creamy ranch goodness, golden-crisp tater tots, and sizzling sausage into a meal that feels like a hug.
My love for recipes like this began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where casseroles meant family, laughter, and always a second helping. Over the years, I’ve made countless versions, but this one stands out for its unbeatable flavor and how incredibly easy it is to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a fall potluck, or looking for a freezer-friendly weeknight option, this one’s got you covered.
And you know what? You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Just some pantry staples, a few fresh bits, and boom, you’ve got a meal that everyone will rave about.
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Sausage Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Sausage Ranch Tater Tot Casserole blends creamy ranch goodness, sizzling sausage, and golden tater tots into a comforting dish that’s perfect for fall nights, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until no longer pink. Add diced onion and garlic and cook for 3–4 more minutes until translucent.
- In a large bowl, mix sausage mixture with ranch seasoning, cream soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Spread sausage mixture evenly in baking dish. Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until tots are golden and casserole is bubbling.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over top and bake 5 more minutes until melted.
- Let rest a few minutes, then garnish with parsley or chives if using.
Notes
Drain sausage well to prevent grease. Use frozen tater tots for best texture. Make ahead and refrigerate overnight if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this Sausage Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground sausage (choose mild or spicy to your preference)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes:
- If you like heat, use spicy sausage and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap cream of mushroom for tomato soup grilled cheese casserole base to change the flavor profile slightly.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie boost without compromising the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get started? This recipe is beginner-friendly and preps in about 15 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until it’s no longer pink. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 3–4 more minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Mix the filling. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, ranch seasoning, cream soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole. Spread the sausage mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tots are golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- Add cheese on top. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over the top and return to oven for 5 more minutes, just until melted.
- Garnish and serve. Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley or chives.
Want to try a similar cozy meal? This neiman marcus chicken casserole has that same creamy magic.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Sausage Ranch Tater Tot Casserole turns out perfect every time, here are some quick pointers:
- Drain the sausage well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Use quality tater tots, crispiness matters! Some generic brands don’t hold their shape as well.
- Don’t thaw your tots before baking. They cook best from frozen, and that keeps them nice and crisp.
- Make ahead? Absolutely. Just prepare the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when you’re ready.
Looking for more easy casserole tips? You might love how simple the high-protein hamburger helper recipe is to prep ahead.
Creative Variations
Once you’ve nailed the classic, it’s time to make it your own. This casserole is super versatile and easy to customize for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Try these variations:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cream soup and double-check your ranch seasoning packet. Most are gluten-free, but always check the label.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage with a plant-based crumble and use cream of celery soup. Add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra texture.
- Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs to the filling and serve with a fruit salad on the side, perfect for brunch.
- Add-ins for extra flavor:
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Diced jalapeños
- Chopped bell peppers
- A pinch of smoked paprika
Or, for a fancier twist on comfort food, check out this rich one-pan chicken and chorizo recipe, it’s got the same cozy vibes with bold Spanish flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Casseroles like this are made for leftovers. Here’s how to store it safely and keep the flavors fresh.
In the fridge:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
In the freezer:
- Freeze unbaked casserole (without tater tots) for up to 2 months.
- When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with tots, and bake as usual.
Meal prep tip: Portion into smaller containers and freeze for individual lunches or dinners.
Looking for a game-day crowd-pleaser? The bold flavor of marry me chicken crock pot is another fan favorite that freezes beautifully.
FAQs: Sausage Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
2. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely. Turkey sausage works great and makes the dish a bit lighter.
3. What sides go well with this casserole?
A crisp salad or roasted green beans are perfect. Or serve with awesome blossom onion bites for a fun finger food addition.
4. How do I make this spicy?
Use hot sausage and add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Conclusion
There’s a reason why this Sausage Ranch Tater Tot Casserole keeps making the rounds, it’s affordable, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re digging in on a weeknight, serving it at a family gathering, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.
And if you’re in the mood for bold mashups, you’ll love this spicy ramen lasagna recipe, it’s wild in the best way.
Happy cooking, and welcome to the Fresh Leaf Rezepte community, where comfort food meets everyday ease.