Indulge in the ultimate cozy, meat-free classic with this Vegetarian Comfort Food Tater Tot Casserole. This hearty dish layers a creamy, mushroom-packed vegetable filling with a crispy golden crown of tater tots, making it the perfect one-pan meal to satisfy cravings. Featuring wholesome ingredients like button mushrooms, a frozen peas-and-carrots blend, and a velvety plant-based sauce thickened with almond milk and vegetable broth, itβs loaded with comforting flavors and textures. Customize it with optional shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy twist! Ready in just over an hour, this casserole is a simple yet satisfying dinner ideal for vegetarian families or anyone seeking a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Serve warm, and watch it disappear!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and shrink.
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the almond milk (or other plant-based milk) and mix until combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat and set aside.
Spread the vegetable and sauce mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top if using.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the vegetable mixture.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
If using cheese, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
3472 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 229.0 g | 294% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.4 g | 312% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 56.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 180 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 6380 mg | 277% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 299.2 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.7 g | 138% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.2 g | ||
| Protein | 82.7 g | 165% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.8 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 1918 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 4356 mg | 93% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.