Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the kind of dish that brings out the kid in all of us — a little nostalgic, a whole lot of comfort, and absolutely impossible to resist. Imagine all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza, but with crispy golden tater tots taking the place of traditional crust. It’s a weeknight winner, a game day favorite, and a guaranteed family pleaser all rolled into one. Whether you’re feeding hungry teens, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving something hearty and fun, this casserole has your back. Trust me, once you serve it up, don’t expect leftovers.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional: additional toppings (bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Sauce and Seasoning:
Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly on the bottom.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
Add the sliced pepperoni (and any additional toppings you like) on top of the cheese.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the toppings.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips:
Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings, such as olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
You can also use a combination of cheeses for added flavor, such as cheddar or provolone.
Enjoy your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
🔥 Kcal: 480 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings