Easy Vegan Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceVegan Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s simple to make and always a hit. Loaded with vegetables, plant-based protein, and topped with crispy tater tots, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. This casserole brings convenience and flavor together in one easy recipe.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a commission. Thank you!
I love how versatile this Vegan Tater Tot Casserole is—whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck with friends, it’s always a hit. It’s easy to make ahead, store in the fridge, or even freeze for later, making it a go-to option when you need something hearty without a lot of fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that gets everyone digging in for seconds?
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Vegan Tater Tot Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding this casserole is to make when you follow my steps.
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sautée until the onions turn soft and fragrant. This step creates the flavorful base of the dish.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the flour to form a thick paste. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and unsweetened vegan milk, making sure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Keep whisking as it thickens into a creamy sauce, then stir in the nutritional yeast for a deliciously cheesy, plant-based kick.
Load Up the Veggies and Protein
Add the chopped mushrooms, frozen mixed vegetables, and seitan to the sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with black pepper to enhance the flavors and get the filling ready for the casserole.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the vegetable and seitan mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Layer the frozen tater tots on top in neat rows, covering the filling completely.
Bake Until Perfect
Pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Halfway through baking, remove from the oven and sprinkle crispy onions over the top for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling underneath.
Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve rounded up some tips to help you make this Vegan Tater Tot Casserole as delicious as possible:
- Thicker Sauce Option: If you like a richer filling, let the sauce cook a bit longer to thicken up even more.
- Custom Veggie Mix: Don’t feel limited by frozen mixed vegetables; swap them out for your favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, or even sweet corn.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Lining up your tater tots neatly ensures they cook evenly and makes the dish look extra appealing.
- Crunchy Top Tip: Add the crispy onions halfway through baking to keep them from browning too much.
- Protein Swap: Not into seitan? Tofu or tempeh works just as well for a tasty protein boost.
- Serve Fresh: This casserole is best enjoyed hot out of the oven while the tater tots are at their crispiest.
- Meal Prep Hero: You can assemble this dish the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftover Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this casserole stores well! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F to maintain that crispy tater tot topping.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until warmed through.
What to Serve With Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or a simple bowl of roasted vegetables. For something a bit heartier, serve it with warm bread or a light vegan soup. It’s also a great potluck dish that holds its own as the star of the table!
More Easy Vegan Casserole Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you’re looking for more plant-based casserole inspiration, then try some of my favorites!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cups chopped onion divided
- 2 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 ¼ cup unsweetened vegan milk
- 1 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 cup coarsely chopped mushrooms
- 1 pound bag frozen mixed vegetables
- ½ pound seitan chopped
- 1 pound bag frozen tater tots
- Crispy onions for garnish
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 9" x 13" baking dish. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéeing until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour, creating a thick paste.1 cups chopped onion, 2 large garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons vegan butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and vegan milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. Add nutritional yeast to the sauce, then stir in the chopped mushrooms, frozen mixed vegetables, and seitan. Season with black pepper, ensuring the filling is well mixed and evenly seasoned.¼ cup vegetable broth, 1 ¼ cup unsweetened vegan milk, 1 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 cup coarsely chopped mushrooms, 1 pound bag frozen mixed vegetables, ½ pound seitan, Black pepper
- Pour the prepared filling into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the filling.1 pound bag frozen tater tots
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 minutes, remove halfway through, sprinkle the crispy onions, and then cook further until the tater tots are golden and crisp and the filling is heated through. Serve immediately while hot.Crispy onions
Notes
- Thicker Sauce Option: If you like a richer filling, let the sauce cook a bit longer to thicken up even more.
- Custom Veggie Mix: Don’t feel limited by frozen mixed vegetables; swap them out for your favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, or even sweet corn.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Lining up your tater tots neatly ensures they cook evenly and makes the dish look extra appealing.
- Crunchy Top Tip: Add the crispy onions halfway through baking to keep them from browning too much.
- Protein Swap: Not into seitan? Tofu or tempeh works just as well for a tasty protein boost.
- Serve Fresh: This casserole is best enjoyed hot out of the oven while the tater tots are at their crispiest.
- Meal Prep Hero: You can assemble this dish the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
