Description
This Pizza Tot Casserole combines the best of two comfort foods: pizza and tater tots! With layers of seasoned ground beef, pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crispy tater tots on top, this dish is an easy, family-friendly dinner perfect for weeknights. Customize it with your favorite pizza toppings for a unique twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the pizza sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Add any optional toppings.
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Serve with a side of ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle Parmesan on top before baking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American