Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a delightful fusion of classic comfort foods, combining savory ground beef, flavorful pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that brings together the best of pizza and casserole dishes in one hearty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb 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
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- Optional: bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or jalapeños
Base
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, ensuring it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the pizza sauce, stir in Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Layer Meat Mixture: Spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
- Add Toppings and Tater Tots: Arrange the pepperoni and any optional toppings evenly over the cheese. Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let it set slightly and ensure safe eating temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings such as bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or jalapeños for added taste and texture.
- Ensure to drain the cooked meat well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
