Can tater tot casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the whole gluten free casserole, tater tots and all, and leave it in the fridge overnight before you bake it. However, make sure to take the dish out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature while the oven is preheating. Likewise, you can prep the innards of the casserole, without the tater tots, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to make the casserole, just spread the meat mixture into the dish, arrange the tater tots on top as you normally would, and bake as directed.

How long does tater tot casserole keep in the fridge?

After cooked, gluten free tater tot casserole keeps well for leftovers. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Best if eaten reheated.

Do you cook the tater tots before adding them to the casserole?

No. You can top the casserole with frozen tater tots and they'll cook in the oven!

Can I add cheese to this tater tot casserole recipe?

Yes! Either sprinkle cheese over the filling before putting the tater tots on and cook as directed, or sprinkle cheese on top of the tater tots and pop back into the oven for another 5 minutes.

Can I use canned vegetables instead of frozen vegetables for this tater tot casserole?

Absolutely. While this is a "can-free" tater tot casserole, the main thing readers are looking to replace is the canned cream of mushroom soup. Don't be afraid to use drained cans of green beans, peas, or corn here.

Can-Free Tater Tot Casserole (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

Description

Every Midwest family has their own take, but my version is a can-free tater tot casserole that's dairy free and gluten free, with lots of flavor thanks to a homemade beef and mushroom gravy!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 tablespoons ghee or butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cups crimini mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon coconut aminos or tamari
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme OR 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh sage OR 1 teaspoon dried sage
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup cassava flour or gluten free flour blend
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 10oz bag frozen peas
1 10oz bag frozen green beans
1 10oz bag frozen corn (optional)
2 16oz bags frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Brown beef. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking into small pieces with a spatula. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté vegetables. In the same dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the onions, mushrooms, thyme, sage, and garlic. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes, until the onions are transparent and the mushrooms have softened. Add the salt and pepper and stir.
Make gravy. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons ghee. Once the ghee has melted, add the cassava flour and stir until the vegetables are coated and no dry flour remains. While stirring, add the red wine vinegar, coconut aminos, and mustard, scraping up any bits on the bottom of the pan. Slowly pour in the beef broth and coconut milk. Once the mixture has thickened into a gravy, add the reserved ground beef. Add the frozen peas, green beans, and corn (if using), stirring to incorporate.
Prepare casserole. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
Cook casserole. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Pay close attention to the ingredients list on the tater tots. Some brands have added ingredients that may not work for a gluten free or paleo diet.
Boost the protein by doubling the ground beef or using a mix of 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound ground turkey.
Have canned vegetables? Use them! While this is a "can-free" tater tot casserole, the main thing readers are looking to replace is the canned cream of mushroom soup. Don't be afraid to use drained cans of green beans, peas, or corn here.
Add cheese if you'd like! Either sprinkle cheese over the filling before putting the tater tots on and cook as directed, or sprinkle cheese on top of the tater tots and pop back into the oven for another 5 minutes.