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Delicious Tater Tot Pizza Casserole topped with cheese and pepperoni
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Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

An irresistible blend of pizza and tater tots that promises a satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, easy recipe, Family Dinner, One-Dish Meal, Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 375kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef Choose whichever you prefer for a hearty protein base.
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with a warm aroma.
  • 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara The heart of this casserole, providing a classic pizza taste.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Amplifies the Italian flavors.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese The gooey, melty topping.
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots Provides a crunchy base.
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices Offers the classic pizza experience.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes Optional for those who enjoy a little heat.
  • Fresh chopped parsley or basil Optional garnish.
  • Extra cheese Optional, for cheese lovers.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage or beef along with the diced onion until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes.

Layering

  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the cooked meat mixture evenly at the bottom.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
  • Top the tater tots with the remaining mozzarella cheese and layer on the mini pepperoni slices.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
  • For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serving

  • Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and fresh herbs if desired.
  • Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a twist, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed version. You can also prepare the casserole in advance.