Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, pizza sauce, and melted cheeses with crispy tater tots. Easy to prepare and perfect for family meals, it brings all the fun of pizza into a hearty casserole dish, topped with pepperoni and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7–8 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Drain Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Mix Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base of your casserole.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture to create a cheesy middle layer.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the mozzarella cheese, ensuring they cover the surface.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Final Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and cheesiness.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and kid-friendly casserole.
Notes
- Customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for added flavor and texture.
- For a spicier version, substitute ground beef with hot Italian sausage to add a kick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor impact.
- Be sure to bake uncovered for crispy tater tots on top.
