This vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole is made with lentils instead of ground beef. It’s gluten-free and is made without condensed soup or ultra-processed cheese.
Make sure to pin this recipe to make when you’re ready to cook!
As an intuitive eating dietitian, I believe everyone should love what they eat. This includes those who can’t eat certain foods or ingredients because of an allergy or intolerance.
It’s also true for those who choose their eating pattern because of other reasons – like animal ethics or environmental concerns.
Shifting towards a plant-based diet is one of the best things you can do for your health and the health of the planet.
But the question is – can you still enjoy recipes you love which traditionally use animal products?
I’m here to tell you YES! The Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides app is filled with plant-forward recipes which I’ve converted to a balanced, healthy, delicious meal.
This plant-based recipe for Tater Tot Casserole is a great example. It features lentils instead of ground beef.
For a completely plant-based option, choose soy yogurt and non-dairy cheese – and voila! A vegan Lentil Tater Tot Casserole.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Lentil Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe doesn’t use any condensed soup or ultra-processed cheese. Instead, you’ll find a mix of spices, yogurt, and veggies to enhance the flavor.
The list may be longer than your traditional Tater Tot Casserole recipe, but the look closer and you’ll see you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
- 1 White onion (diced)
- 4 clove Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz White mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup Dry brown lentils
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 cup Water (or more if needed)
- 1 1/2 cup Black olives (sliced; 1 1/2 cups = 1 can with net weight of 6 ozs)
- 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (sub soy yogurt for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (divided; use sharp for more flavor; sub plant-based cheddar shreds for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 9 oz Frozen tater tots (3 oz = 10 pieces; choose gluten-free for Celiac-friendly)
To save time, I use pre-minced garlic, pre-sliced mushrooms, pre-sliced olives, and shredded cheese. Because this dish is cooked so long you won’t notice much of a taste difference. If you prefer to start with whole ingredients, that works well, too!
How to Make Lentil Tater Tot Casserole
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We’ll start making this Lentil Tater Tot Casserole by infusing it with flavor with sautéed onion and garlic. Dice the onion and mince garlic. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Once pan is hot, add oil, then add onion and garlic to pot and begin to cook. Stir occasionally and cook 6-8 minutes until onion is translucent.
While onion and garlic cook, slice the mushrooms and add them to pot as they are prepared. Cook 5-8 minutes until starting to brown. Mushrooms are a fantastic way to add the savory “umami” flavor to vegetarian dishes!
Once mushrooms have begun to cook down, add lentils, salt, and water to pot. Cover with lid and turn up heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer 25-30 minute until lentils are tender and water has been absorbed.
While lentils cook, slice the olives and set aside. Measure all remaining ingredients (except tater tots) and set aside. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare a deep 2- to 3-quart baking dish by spraying with cooking spray.
Once lentils are fully cooked, remove from heat and stir in olives, plain Greek yogurt, half of the shredded cheese, onion powder and garlic powder. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese, then arrange tater tots evenly on top.
Bake 25-30 minutes until lentils are bubbly and tots are slightly browned. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Store Lentil Tater Tot Casserole Leftovers
The flavors in this recipe make excellent leftovers! Although keep in mind that the tater tots will not be as crispy the second time around if you reheat them in the microwave.
Store leftover Lentil Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to five days. Reheat in the microwave. For crispier tots, place the entire pan back in the oven to reheat at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Can you Freeze Lentil Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes! This recipe for Lentil Tater Tot Casserole is perfect to freeze and cook later when you need an easy meal.
To freeze the casserole, make the dish and transfer it to the baking dish but do not follow the instructions to bake. Cover with aluminum foil and freeze up to several months.
When ready to cook, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Place the dish in the oven cold while it preheats to 425 degrees. Then bake, covered, for about 45 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until tots start to brown and casserole is bubbly.
More Delicious Plant-Based Recipes
Would you like to explore more delicious plant-based meals every week? Start a free trial of premium access to the Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides app!
You’ll get a new menu every week with 10 fresh meal ideas. Our flexitarian menu is designed to introduce you to new plant-based meals!
With the customizable meal plans, you can easily swap recipes to make your menu vegetarian or vegan. Once you’ve finished making all the changes, the app create the grocery list for you!
Create a free account in the app to try it out.
For more of our favorite recipes featuring lentils, check out the Lentil Frito Pie or Mujadara. Make sure to download this guide for 7 Simple Plant-Based Alternatives to Meat to help you modify your own recipes at home!
Happy plant-based eating,
Dietitian Ann, creator of the Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides App
Easy Plant-Based Eating
Shift towards a plant-based diet with this list of 7 Simple Plant-Based Substitutes for Meat.
Enjoy these easy-to-find vegetarian, whole-food alternatives to chicken, beef, pork, and ground meat!
Seasonal, Plant-Based Meal Plans
Want to shift towards a plant-based diet? Our flexitarian meal plans make it easy!
Enjoy 10 fresh meal ideas every week in the Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides app with the option to substitute for a completely vegetarian or vegan menu. Start your free trial today!
“The Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides app helps us live a better life because we’re making sure we get the nutritious food to eat that we need.”
-Kathy C., Premium Subscriber to the Peas & Hoppy Meal Guides
