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Crispy Dairy-Free Loaded Tater Tot Casserole Easy Recipe with Sesame Ginger Sauce

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A crispy, dairy-free tater tot casserole loaded with savory vegetables, ground turkey or plant-based protein, and a flavorful sesame ginger sauce. Perfect for cozy weeknights or potlucks, this recipe is quick, easy, and family-approved.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz (900 g) frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey or plant-based ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or plant-based substitute and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  3. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, coconut aminos, grated fresh ginger, arrowroot starch, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the meat and veggie mixture evenly on the bottom.
  8. Layer the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, covering the filling completely.
  9. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even crispiness.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro on top before serving.

Notes

Do not thaw tater tots before baking to ensure crispiness. Use fresh grated ginger for best flavor. Arrowroot starch gives a glossy sauce finish. If tater tots brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during last 10 minutes of baking. Season meat, veggies, and sauce separately for depth of flavor. Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: dairy-free, tater tot casserole, sesame ginger sauce, gluten-free, plant-based, comfort food, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, potluck

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-dairy-free-loaded-tater-tot-casserole-easy-recipe-with-sesame-ginger-sauce/