The Best Gluten Free Casserole Recipe: Cheesy Tater Tot Bake
Fall is finally here, and around here that means three things: crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and sportsball on in the background while I hover in the kitchen, dreaming up the next great gluten-free casserole. Because let’s be honest, I’m more into tailgate snacks than touchdowns.
Jump to Recipe
This Cheesy Olive & Chorizo Tater Tot Bake is everything I love in an easy casserole recipe: rich and satisfying, cheesy and just a little spicy, and packed with briny California Ripe black olives that bring the whole thing to life. It’s the best part of fall gatherings—warm, comforting, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Even better? It’s baked in individual casserole dishes, so everyone gets their own bubbling, golden-topped portion. Perfect for tailgates, busy weeknights, or cozy dinners at the family dinner table. And yes, it’s totally gluten-free, made with real ingredients, real comfort, and real California olives.
Why I’m Team California Ripe Olives
This post is sponsored by California Ripe Olives, and I’m so thrilled to partner with them because I’ve always had a soft spot for olives. They remind me of my grandma’s kitchen table—where a little bowl of black olives always sat next to the butter dish, and us kids would sneak them off one by one (sometimes wearing them on our fingers first, of course).
These olives are locally grown in California, harvested with care, and found in many grocery stores with the California seal on the label. They’re an excellent option for adding bold, savory flavor to all kinds of gluten-free casseroles, and I honestly can’t stop using them in everything from pastas to pizza to this easy main dish.
Black olives in a casserole dish? It might not be traditional, but it is delicious. They add that little pop of saltiness that cuts through the richness of cheese and chorizo and makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Tailgate Food, Upgraded
Now let’s talk easy dinner. Whether you’re planning ahead for a Sunday tailgate, prepping a cozy weeknight dinner for the whole family, or looking for a delicious freezer meal to stash for later, this is a dish that checks all the boxes.
You get that crispy crunch from the tater tots, a rich layer of chorizo and sautéed veggies (use ground beef or turkey if you prefer!), the creamy melt of cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, spicy pickled jalapenos, and of course those punchy, briny olives that balance everything out.
It’s the ultimate comfort food…and it’s naturally gluten-free, which means it’s safe for folks following a gluten-free diet or living with celiac disease. And if you’re new to gluten-free dinners, this is such a great way to start.
Why This Recipe Works
- ✅ Great way to use up pantry staples like olives, frozen veggies, or leftover cooked meat
- ✅ Feeds the entire family (with no complaints!)
- ✅ Makes great leftovers for the next day
- ✅ Doubles beautifully for meal prep or an easy freezer meal
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free for anyone managing celiac disease
Variations & Add-Ons
This casserole is super forgiving and fun to riff on. You can add all kinds of various ingredients to suit your mood (or what’s hanging out in the fridge).
Here are some favorite twists:
- Swap chorizo for ground beef and add a sprinkle of chili powder for a taco-inspired version
- Add a can of black beans and corn for a little Southwest flair
- Mix in spinach, roasted zucchini, or mushrooms for a more healthy casserole take
- Sub in dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy this recipe holds up beautifully
Want an even easy version? Use pre-cooked sausage crumbles and frozen diced peppers. It comes together in a flash, especially handy on a busy night.
What to Serve With It
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few of my favorite pairings to round it out:
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Cornbread or gluten-free biscuits
- Roasted green beans or broccoli for a colorful side dish
It also makes a great potluck addition. Just bake it in a larger casserole dish and serve it up buffet-style. It disappears fast (don’t say I didn’t warn you)!
Whether you’re prepping for a fall tailgate, navigating a busy weeknight, or feeding the whole family around the dinner table, this delicious casserole delivers everything you love about classic comfort food, but with a California twist thanks to those glorious California Ripe Olives.
It’s satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor. And the best part? You don’t need to be a sports fan to fall in love with this dish.
I Love Olives! How About You?
Here are a few more of my favorite recipes to try featuring California Ripe Olives
- Gluten-Free Focaccia That Actually Tastes Amazing
- How to Make Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing (Gluten-Free!)
- Spring Orzo Salad with Smashed Olive Dressing
- Incredible Garlicky Marinated Olives with Citrus + Rosemary
P.S. Want more gluten-free casserole recipes that are perfect for real life? From cozy dinners to meal prep magic, I’ve got you covered. Let me know what you’re craving next in the comments below.
Cheesy Olive & Chorizo Tater Tot Bakes
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 4 8×5 inch personal size casesroles or 1 8×10 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound gluten-free chorizo or swap in ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 4 oz California Ripe sliced black olives drained (and divided)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 6 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno peppers optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 32 oz bag frozen gluten-free tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Add the chorizo, crumble with a spatula and cook the chorizo until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Divide the mixture evenly among four greased 8″x5″ casserole dishes.
- Sprinkle half the cheese over each dish, followed by the pickled jalapeno slices, half of the olives and half of the green onions. Then top with a single layer of frozen tater tots. Finish with the remaining cheese.
- Place all four dishes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (to catch drips!) and bake for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped green onions, reserved black olives and/or a drizzle of hot sauce—whatever your taste buds are craving.
Nutrition
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