Pizza Tot Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)
02 -
1 small onion, diced
03 -
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
04 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
05 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
06 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
07 -
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
→ Optional Toppings
08 -
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
09 -
1/2 cup sliced black olives
10 -
1/2 bell pepper, diced
11 -
1/4 cup sliced green onions
12 -
1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
03 -
Add the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
04 -
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
05 -
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots.
06 -
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
If desired, add mini pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, or any other pizza toppings over the casserole. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until toppings are heated through.
08 -
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your pizza-flavored comfort casserole!
# Notes:
01 -
This Pizza Tot Casserole combines the best of two comfort foods: pizza and tater tots! With layers of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots on top, this dish is an easy, kid-friendly dinner that's perfect for weeknights.
02 -
You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavors.
03 -
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
04 -
Feel free to use your favorite pizza toppings to customize this casserole to your family's preferences.