If you love casseroles as much as I do, make sure to check out my Vegan Enchilada Casserole and Biscuit Topped Pot Pie! I didn’t think it could be done, but this Vegan Tater Tot Casserole is really giving my Lentil Shepherd’s Pie a run for its money! Crispy tater tots on top of a creamy, savory mix of Impossible Ground Meat, veggies, and vegan cheese make this casserole the ultimate clean-out-your-fridge dinner or the best holiday side dish. It’s hard to compete with crispy potato wedges or french fries, but there’s something extra special about a tater tot. Pillowy soft potato on the inside and the signature crispy crust on the outside are what dreams are made of. Plus, you can just buy them from a store… so easy! This vegetarian tater tot casserole is filled with:
Vegan ground meat (use your favorite!)MushroomsFrozen green beans and cornAnd a creamy homemade gravy (no soup mix needed)
Baked together with a finishing layer of vegan cheese and golden brown tots, every scoop is a delight next to Vegan Ham Roast or Vegan Turkey Roast on special occasions.
What is a tater tot casserole?
Tater tot casseroles with no meat are made with simple ingredients like frozen veggies, vegan ground meat, and a soupy, savory gravy sauce. To finish, they’re topped with vegan shredded cheese and tater tots before being baked to perfection. These casseroles are almost always budget-friendly, made in one pan, and so easy to make ahead of time. Plus, kids love this meal!
How to make a vegan tater tot casserole
If you’re using vegan ground beef (such as Impossible or Beyond), you’ll need to sauté it in a pan first. When it’s brown and cooked through, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften. Stir in the seasonings. Add the flour to the mix and stir. Next, pour in the coconut milk and Worcestershire sauce, then the green beans and corn. When the mixture is ready, transfer it to a casserole dish. Sprinkle a layer of shredded vegan cheese over the filling, then arrange the tater tots on top. Bake until the tots are golden brown and crispy. Serve and enjoy!
Do you have to use Impossible Ground Beef?
Nope! You can use any vegan-friendly ground “beef” that you already have at home or love to use (brown lentils would work too!). My favorites besides Impossible are Beyond Meat, Gardein, or even TVP (you’d need to soak them first and probably add more seasonings).
Tips and substitutions
Vegetables – Both frozen and fresh vegetables will work for this recipe. You can even add more if you like!Tater tots – Use any brand you love. Sweet potato tots will even give this casserole some added flare for Thanksgiving.Coconut milk – Any unsweetened, unflavored vegan creamer will work in place of the coconut milk. Even plant milk would work, but the casserole would be less rich and creamy.Cheese – Non-dairy cheddar type cheese pairs best with the flavors (my favorite is Follow Your Heart cheddar shreds).
Can it be made ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole filling and add it to the baking dish. Cover the dish with a lid and store in the fridge for a day or two or freeze it for later. When it’s time to eat, add the cheese and tater tots on top and bake.
Serving suggestions
A one-pan tater tot casserole with veggies works well as a weeknight dinner or holiday side dish. Pair a scoop with some salad, mac and cheese, or asparagus for dinner or next to more holiday sides, like stuffing, sweet potato casserole, or brussels sprouts. Is your heart set on serving a tater tot casserole for breakfast? The leftover tots would be delicious on top of this filling breakfast casserole!
More savory vegan casserole recipes
Pumpkin Pasta BakeChicken Broccoli Rice CasseroleChickpea Pot PieGreen Bean Casserole
