If there's one thing I've learned in my years of cooking for my family here in our cozy Midwestern town, it's that breakfast casseroles are a surefire way to start the day with smiles all around. This Slow Cooker Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage Gravy combines crispy tater tots, hearty sausage, and creamy gravy for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for lazy weekends or special gatherings, it’s an easy yet delightful dish that brings everyone together around the table.

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad to balance out the savory richness. You could also whip up a batch of buttery biscuits or some toast on the side to soak up any extra sausage gravy. For a touch of color and added nutrition, a simple side of steamed or sautéed vegetables works wonderfully too.

Servings: 6-8 servings

1 pound breakfast sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
12 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (32-ounce) bag tater tots
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove the sausage and drain the excess grease, leaving a small amount in the skillet.

2. Add the onions (and bell peppers, if using) to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

4. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer half of the tater tots in the bottom of the slow cooker.

5. Evenly distribute the browned sausage and sautéed onions (and peppers) over the tater tots. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

6. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the egg mixture.

7. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, 3/4 cup of milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the top layer of tater tots.

8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the eggs are set and the tater tots are crispy.

9. About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt.

10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.

For a spicier kick, you can use hot breakfast sausage or add some chopped jalapeños. If you have picky eaters, you can omit the onions and bell peppers or swap them for their favorite veggie. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients without altering the flavor too much.

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