Description

Tater Pizza Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of classic pizza with crispy tater tots in a comforting casserole format. Ground beef or Italian sausage is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered in pizza sauce with Italian herbs before being layered with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and other favorite pizza toppings. Topped with golden-baked tater tots and melted cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.

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

Base

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your 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 browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their fragrant flavor.
Simmer Sauce: Pour in the pizza sauce, then stir in Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Let the sauce mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Assemble Base Layers: Spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Add Toppings and Tater Tots: Layer the sliced pepperoni and any optional toppings you choose (bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, jalapeños) over the cheese layer. Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots on top, covering the dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes for easier serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner meat option.
Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and salt based on your taste preference.
Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, mushrooms, or jalapeños.
For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.