Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the beloved flavors of pizza in a convenient casserole form. Featuring a savory ground beef and pizza sauce base, melty mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a crispy tater tot topping, this recipe is perfect for a simple family dinner or casual get-together. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy oven-baked comfort food that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
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 (amount as desired)
Topping
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant but not browned.
- Add sauce and season: Pour in the pizza sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the casserole base: Spread the cooked meat and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Add toppings and tater tots: Layer the pepperoni and any optional toppings you like over the cheese. Next, evenly arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the toppings layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tater tots to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more robust flavor.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, or jalapeños.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—just watch closely to avoid burning.
- This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and cover tightly with foil; refrigerate and bake when ready.
