Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a fun and delicious dish that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and tater tots! This easy-to-make casserole is great for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering. With its cheesy, saucy goodness and crispy tots, everyone will love this hearty meal.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole. First, it’s super easy to prepare. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes! Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike enjoy the fun texture of tater tots combined with the flavors of pizza. Lastly, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
How to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain excess fat, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the meat. Add pepperoni slices and any extra toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
Serve Tater Tot Pizza Casserole hot, right out of the oven. You can cut it into squares and place them on plates. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side.
How to Store Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, bake it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
- Use cooked sausage for more flavor and a different texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or olives for extra taste.
- Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- For a crispy finish, broil for a few minutes after baking.
Variation
You can easily change up this recipe by using different meats like chicken or turkey. Try using Alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce for a creamy twist. You can also swap mozzarella cheese for cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and assemble it the night before. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like such as cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the pizza sauce and tater tots are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Tater Tot Pizza Casserole with your family and friends!
Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt & pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain excess fat, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Assembly
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly at the bottom.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the meat. Add pepperoni slices and any extra toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
