Description
Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner combining the flavors of classic pizza with crispy tater tots. Ground beef or Italian sausage simmers in a savory pizza sauce with Italian seasoning and garlic, layered with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and frozen tater tots baked to golden perfection. This hearty American main course is perfect for families and pizza lovers looking for a comforting casserole recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 (14-ounce) jar pizza sauce or marinara
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular, cut smaller)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, mushrooms, green bell peppers
Other
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meat and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with chopped onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Stir the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole base: Spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Add tater tots layer: Place the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the mozzarella cheese, creating a crispy top layer once baked.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add remaining cheese and toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and any optional toppings such as sliced olives, mushrooms, or green peppers. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Final baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to make slicing and handling easier.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- For extra flavor, consider drizzling garlic butter over the casserole after baking before serving.
- Optional toppings like olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers can be added for more vegetable variety and flavor.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking of the tater tots and cheese.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving will help it set and make easier portioning.
