If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal that’s completely vegetarian, this Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines crispy tater tots with a savory vegetable and creamy sauce base, delivering a satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
This recipe takes the classic tater tot casserole and gives it a fresh, veggie-forward twist. The layers of colorful vegetables, combined with a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with golden tater tots, make it a crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and nutritious.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to customize with your favorite veggies or dietary preferences. Ready to dive in?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian tater tot casserole is a perfect blend of comfort food and wholesome nutrition. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner.
- Vegetable-packed: Loaded with mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, and corn, it’s a great way to sneak in your daily veggies.
- Creamy and crispy: The rich, creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the crispy tater tots on top for a delightful texture contrast.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this classic comfort dish.
- Customizable: Easily adjust with your favorite vegetables or swap out dairy for vegan options.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for vegetarian, omit for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and vegetables soften.
- Stir in garlic, peas, and corn, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Make the creamy sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Slowly whisk in vegetable broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, then continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Layer the casserole: Pour the vegetable and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the vegetable layer if using.
- Top with frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer to cover the casserole completely.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.”
- Feel free to swap veggies according to season or preference — zucchini, spinach, or broccoli work wonderfully.
- For extra protein, add cooked lentils or black beans to the vegetable mixture.
- Try sprinkling crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs on top of the tater tots for an extra crunchy topping.
- Use homemade vegan bechamel sauce instead of the flour-based sauce for a richer texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 10g |
Fat | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fiber | 6g |
Sugar | 6g |
Sodium | 600mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian tater tot casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides can balance the richness.
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Complement with steamed green beans or asparagus for extra freshness.
- For a heartier meal, add a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls.
- Try it alongside other vegetable-forward dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for a vibrant dinner spread.
Conclusion
This Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together crispy tots, creamy sauce, and nutrient-packed veggies in perfect harmony. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table.
If you loved this recipe, check out more hearty vegetarian delights like our Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas or the sweet treat, Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
For bread lovers, don’t miss the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to round out your meal planning with homemade goodness.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole
Description: A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring vegetables, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a hearty meatless meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add mushrooms and mixed vegetables; cook for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, thyme, and pepper.
- Combine cooked vegetables with the soup mixture and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread tater tots evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top of tater tots.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden and casserole is bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 40 g
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