I have been obsessing a bit lately on how easy a tater tot casserole is to put together and the endless possibilities. It seems tater tots delight the young and old alike based on how my family’s eyes light up when I put this one on the table. A BBQ pork tater tot casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of barbecue pork with the crispy texture of tater tots, all baked together in a casserole.

Who doesn’t like shredded barbecued pork? The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory pork. There is also a layer of creamy refried beans before the tater tots, and it’s all topped with good aged cheddar cheese and takes only 30 minutes to bake in the oven. The contrast between the crispy tater tots and the creamy cheese makes for a satisfying texture. Another bonus is this can be made ahead and also frozen in advance. If you are looking for time saving tips, I recommend making two and freezing one for a night when you don’t have time or are too tired to cook. I’m raising my hand here. 🙂

BBQ Shredded Pork and Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

1 Cooked Pork Roast, Shredded

Favorite BBQ Sauce (I used my recipe here)

10 ounces of Refried Beans (I used Thrive’s Refried Pinto Beans)

1 Cup of Chopped Green Onion

Two Tablespoons of Capers

Two Large Jarred Roasted Red Peppers (I used Thrive Market Organic) Diced

1 Bag of Tater Tots

10 Ounces of Shredded Aged Cheddar

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 glass casserole dish. Toss together the shredded pork and barbecue sauce adding enough sauce to make a nice saucy, juicy mixture.

Stir the refried beans in a bowl with a fork to loosen them up. If they are not spreadable, warm them in the microwave for one minute. Then, spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the shredded pork. Sprinkle the tangy salty capers evenly over the beans and 3/4 cup of sliced scallions.

Now, dump the frozen tater tots on top of the beans, and spread them out evenly. Top with the diced roasted red peppers, then the shredded cheddar. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, when the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly, remove it from the oven and sprinkle it with the remaining sliced green onions.

Serve! You can provide additional toppings like hot sauces and ranch. Tip: Add jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce for some heat. Serve with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

This casserole is great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be a crowd-pleaser due to its hearty and flavorful nature.

A BBQ pork tater tot casserole is a versatile and enjoyable dish that brings together familiar flavors in a comforting and satisfying way.

Happy eating!

Sam