Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole combines two comfort food favorites into one delicious dish. Layers of savory ground beef, pizza sauce, and melted cheese are topped with crispy tater tots, making this an easy, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. -
Add Seasoning and Sauce:
Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until well combined. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat layer. -
Add Tater Tots:
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. -
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy. -
Add More Cheese and Toppings:
Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Add any additional toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives. -
Melt the Cheese:
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a meatless alternative for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.