Description

This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole combines the comforting flavors of classic pizza with the crispy texture of tater tots in an easy-to-make baked dish. Ground beef cooked with onions and pizza sauce forms a savory base, topped with cheese, pepperoni, and optional veggies, all layered beneath a golden, crispy tater tot crust. Perfect for families and weeknight dinners, this casserole brings together familiar tastes in a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Toppings

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup portions)
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced green peppers, mushrooms

Base

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble Meat Layer: Spread the savory meat and sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a flavorful base.
Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat mixture to add creamy, melty goodness.
Layer Pepperoni and Optional Toppings: Arrange mini pepperoni slices and any desired optional toppings like sliced black olives, diced green peppers, or mushrooms on top of the cheese layer.
Add Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the toppings. This will form a crispy and golden crust as it bakes.
Bake the Casserole: Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and become crispy.
Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and make portioning easier. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal!

Notes

You can customize the toppings by adding your favorite pizza ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even jalapeños.
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
To save time, use pre-diced onions or substitute with onion powder.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even crisping during baking.