Freeze leftover Tater Tot casserole? Yes, you can! If you have leftovers, here are some tips you need to follow.
If you have the question: Can you freeze leftover Tater Tot casserole, I’ll say yes. That is, if the casserole is made from standard ingredients. Even then, you should take certain precautions.
After freezing the casserole, it should be an easy dish to reheat. I’ve listed a variety of ways to reheat leftover Tater Tot casserole below.
How to Freeze Tater Tot Casserole
Freezing a Tater Tot casserole is easy. Follow these tips for the best results:
- First, you should let the casserole cool to room temperature before you attempt to freeze it.
- After it cools, carefully transfer it to a container that is freezer safe.
- Use either an airtight container, or wrap it in aluminum foil. I use the heavy duty version of foil for extra safety.
- For even more protection, you can double wrap it by using a layer of plastic wrap before the foil.
- Add the contents and date to the outside of the container, using a Sharpie or label.
- Now it’s safe to put in the freezer.
- Keep the casserole level in the freezer until it freezes. Otherwise, some of it will slide to one side.
Note: Make sure the entire casserole is covered. Otherwise, you run the risk of having freezer burn. It won’t make you sick, but the flavor will be seriously compromised.
How Long Can You Freeze Leftover Tater Tot Casserole?
Most of the time, a properly frozen Tater Tot casserole is good for about 3 or 4 months in the freezer. If you freeze them longer than that, they will lose some of their delicious flavor and may develop freezer burn.
How to Heat a Tater Tot Casserole That Has been Frozen
Remove the casserole from the freezer and put it in the refrigerator. Then allow it to thaw overnight if possible. After it completely thaws, you can heat it in your oven, microwave, air fryer, stovetop, or even a slow cooker. But first, remove any plastic wrap that you might have used. Otherwise, the plastic will melt onto the casserole and render it inedible.
Reheating in an Oven
When it comes time to enjoy your Tater Tot casserole leftovers, follow these steps:
- First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Next, either place the foil-wrapped casserole on a baking sheet or transfer the casserole to a baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven.
- If you use a baking dish, cover the casserole with a lid or foil. Bake it for 30 minutes and remove from the oven.
- Using a food thermometer, make sure the center of the casserole is at least 165 degrees F. If it is, it’s ready to eat. If not, put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
- For a crispy top, you can remove the cover and return it to the oven for another 5 or 10 minutes. Sometimes I add a little more cheese and let it melt over the top.
Reheating on a Stovetop
Thaw the casserole first, and then place it in a large skillet. Pop a lid on it and cook on medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. If you want to add some yummy extras for an easy dinner, sprinkle a little bit of Worcestershire sauce over the top and add some cut green beans.
Reheating in a Microwave
You’ll love having some leftover Tater Tot casserole on busy weeknights. All you have to do is transfer the casserole to a microwave-safe dish, pop it in the microwave, and turn it on. After the bell dings, dinner is ready. Add a side salad, and you have a delicious meal without having to put a lot of effort into it.
Reheating in an Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, put it to work. This is one of my favorite ways to reheat anything. Leftover Tater Tots crisp right up as the air circulates around them. I have several sizes of casserole dishes, and some of them fit in my air fryer. It’s easy to transfer the food to a casserole dish or even individual size ramekins.
Set the air fryer temperature to 335 degrees F. So easy! The whole family will enjoy this delicious casserole in the 15-20 minutes it takes in the air fryer … even picky eaters.
Reheating in a Slow Cooker
If you have time in the morning, place the frozen leftover Tater Tot casserole in a greased slow cooker. Turn it on low and let it gradually thaw and heat up for supper. Add a little bit of liquid, either broth or cream to prevent the casserole from drying out. Put the cover on the slow cooker and go about your day. Dinner should be ready at the end of the day.
Some Favorite Tater Tot Casserole Recipes
All of these are easy recipes and a great way to feed a hungry family. Plus the ingredients are available at any grocery store.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This is a great breakfast recipe to double up for leftovers. I add premium sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and some other yummy ingredient to a layer of Tater Tots. How many ways can you say delicious?
Creamy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
This classic comfort food makes a wonderful side dish … or even a main dish if you’re not in the mood for meat. All of the ingredients are available in any grocery stores, and it’s super easy to make.
Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
Also called a cheeseburger Tater Tot casserole, this is one of the easiest dishes to serve a bunch of hungry people. With just the right amount of cream of mushroom soup mixed with ground beef, along with a few more ingredients, you have a meal fit for royalty.
You only need a side salad or some fruit, and everyone will leave the table satisfied. I mean, how can anyone not be happy with a dish of crispy Tater Tots?
If you prefer, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef. It should be just as good.
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
This delicious Tater Tot casserole from Back to My Southern Roots is sure to become a family favorite recipe. Next time you want something a little different, make this one. It’s a hearty casserole with simple ingredients that come together to make the taste buds very happy.
How Much Casserole to Cook Per Person
When gathering the ingredients for a Tater Tot casserole, you’ll need to know approximately how many people will be eating it. There are several factors to consider.
- Is it a main dish or side dish?
- Are the people hearty eaters or nibblers?
- How many other dishes will be served?
Most of the time, I count on about a cup of casserole per person if it is the main dish. For a side dish, I figure about half of that is what I’ll need.
Since Tater Tot casserole of any type is so delicious, I also include seconds for about half of the people. Also determine whether or not you’ll want leftovers. I usually do.
If you’re not sure of the answers to the question, make extra casserole. Remember that leftovers can always be frozen for later.
More Delicious Casseroles
Busy nights are much less daunting when you can toss some ingredients into a baking dish and call it a casserole. All you have to do is a little bit of meal prep, put the dish in the oven, and within an hour, supper is served.
Here are some casseroles that everyone, from the tiniest tot to teenage boys and girls will love:
Italian Beef and Cabbage Casserole
This flavor-packed dish is sure to be a huge hit with anyone who is hungry. The bonus is that it’s low carb.
Chicken Pot Pie
This is one of the easiest and most economical meals you can make for a family of any size. Use freshly cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover chicken along with a few more ingredients. It always turns out great!
Ham and Potato Casserole
Here’s a great recipe for a filling and delicious meal. Make it with cubed ham steak or leftover ham from another meal.
Important to Remember
If you want to freeze leftover Tater Tot casserole, follow all of the steps listed above. That’s how you’ll get the safest and best results.