Seafood Tater Tot Casserole (30 Min.)
Packed with a creamy mixed seafood and vegetables sauce, and topped with mini hash browns, this super easy seafood tater tot casserole is a quick all-in-one dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking for a quick meat-free dinner idea, this comforting recipe delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to your meal rotation.
My family loves creamy casseroles and seafood, so this recipe was an easy win. Made in 30 minutes flat, with only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and 3 freezer ingredients, this easy casserole recipe also ticks the boxes when it comes to time and convenience.
Just like my hamburger and hash brown casserole or baked hamburger mac and cheese, this seafood version makes a perfect midweek dinner when time is of essence and the next grocery shop might be a few days away. Plus, it’s an all-in one dinner with vegetables!
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Seafood Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 leek sliced
- 1 cup frozen vegetables
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 10 oz mixed seafood
- 1 1/2 cups mini hash browns
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
- In a medium pan, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the sliced leek and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the edges are starting to turn brown.1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, 1/2 leek
- Add the mixed frozen vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in flour, cook for a minute, then gradually whisk in milk to create a creamy sauce.1 cup frozen vegetables, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups milk
- Season the filling to taste with parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove the pan from the heat and add the frozen seafood mix. Stir to combine (Note 1).1 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 10 oz mixed seafood
- Pour the seafood mixture into an ovenproof dish (8×6 inches), top with mini hash browns, and cover with puff pastry. Brush with egg wash.1 1/2 cups mini hash browns
- Bake in a preheated oven until the hashbrowns are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients and substitutions
- Mixed seafood: I use a frozen mixed seafood selection for convenience including shrimp, squid, and mussels, you can include your favorite fresh or frozen seafood, such as scallops, crab, lobster, and white fish.
- Tater tots: Mini hash browns add a shepherd’s pie-inspired potato topping to the seafood casserole. You can easily customize the casserole topping and use puff or my 3-ingredient shortcrust pastry, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Leek: It provides a mild onion flavor. You can also use shallots or green onions. Onions can easily overpower the delicate seafood flavors.
- Frozen vegetables: I use them as a convenient base for the pie filling. Choose a mix that suits your family’s taste – mine includes peas, carrots, green beans, and corn. You can also incorporate fresh vegetables like spinach or broccoli to meet your daily 5.
- All-purpose flour: Flour is needed to make the roux for the creamy sauce. You can use cornflour instead.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a richer, creamier sauce, but low-fat or skim milk can also be used. Substitute a portion with cream for a richer taste.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds extra flavor and color to the filing. You can use dried parsley if needed, just reduce the quantity by half.
Step-by-step: seafood tater tot casserole
1. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil and butter.
2. Add flour to make a roux.
3. Add milk to make a creamy sauce and season with fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in frozen mixed seafood.
5. Add the filling to a baking dish.
6. Add mini hash browns or your choice of topping and bake until golden brown.
My top 3 casserole tips
- Undercook sauce initially: You don’t want the vegetables and seafood to be fully cooked at this point as they will cook in the oven. Otherwise, the vegetables will be mushy and the seafood can get tough and rubbery.
- Add cheese: Add a layer of grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of the tater tots for a cheesy crust.
- Oven temperature: Given how quickly the dish comes together, make sure the oven has reached its temperature before baking the hash brown casserole.
Quick and easy seafood recipe. The family loved it!