Redneck Tater Tot Casserole
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I had some smoked sausage sitting in my freezer, and I was looking for an exciting way to use it for dinner. That’s when the idea for this Redneck Tater Tot Casserole came to life. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to be such a hit, but one bite in, I was hooked—it was a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and downright bbq heaven.
The base of this delicious meal is a combination of smoky sausage, sweet and tangy baked beans, crispy bacon, and bold BBQ sauce. These flavors meld together beautifully, creating a hearty foundation. For this recipe, I used Aidell’s smoked chicken, pineapple, and bacon sausage. The subtle sweetness from the pineapple balanced with the smoky bacon notes was truly the perfect match for this dish, adding a layer of flavor that took it to the next level.
On top of the flavorful filling, you get a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese that blankets the dish in gooey, cheesy goodness. But what really sets this casserole apart is the crowning glory: the crispy, golden tater tots. They add the ideal crunch and texture, complementing the creamy and savory layers underneath. It’s that contrast of soft and crispy in every bite that makes this dish so satisfying and hard to resist.
To make this easy recipe more versatile for our busy schedules, I divided it into two dishes. For one, I left it without the tater tots, knowing I could add them later when I was ready to bake. This method worked beautifully, as the tater tots stayed perfectly crisp when freshly added before baking. The second casserole was a hit when we enjoyed it together on a relaxing Saturday afternoon for lunch.
Ingredients for Redneck Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- OLIVE OIL
- SMOKED SAUSAGE
- BAKED BEANS
- BBQ SAUCE
- CRUMBLED BACON
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
- FROZEN TATER TOTS
Instructions for Redneck Tater Tot Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when your casserole is assembled.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and release the rich flavors of the sausage.
Combine the Filling Ingredients: Once the sausage is cooked, reduce the heat slightly and mix in the baked beans, crispy cooked bacon pieces, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Stir everything together until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute or two.
Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the sausage and bean mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to form the flavorful base layer. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage.
Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. This will create that irresistible crispy topping everyone loves.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The crispy tots add the perfect contrast to the savory filling below.
Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle and makes it easier to dish out. This recipe serves 6 hearty portions, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap the sausage for spicy chorizo, mild Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even hot dogs will work depending on your taste preferences.
Can I prepare this redneck casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time without the tater tots and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bake the dish 5-10 minutes covered. Then uncover and add the tater tots and cook as directed in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky Gouda for a unique flavor.
How do I ensure the tater tots get extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispy tots, arrange them in a single, even layer and avoid overlapping.
Can I add more ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Corn, black beans, or diced jalapeños are great additions that complement the barbecue flavors.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the tots might lose some crispiness.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Serve it with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables to balance out the hearty flavors of the casserole.
For more recipes like this, try:
- Tater Tot Tacos
- Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Redneck Tater Tot Casserole
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 6 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 28 oz can baked beans
- ¼ cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 ½ cups tater tots 13 ounces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- In a skillet, add in the oil and sausage. Brown over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the baked beans, bacon and bbq sauce.
- Add the mixture to a 9 x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the cheese and spread the tots on top in one layer.
- Bake at 450 degrees for for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are brown and casserole is bubbly. Serves 6.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking.
