Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
A comforting and hearty casserole that combines the best of pizza and crispy tater tots, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 475kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef Choose between Italian sausage for added flavor or ground beef.
- 1/2 cup onion, diced Use yellow or white onion.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended for better flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Feel free to adjust based on taste preference.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For best results, use whole milk mozzarella.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots No need to thaw before use.
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices Optional; can use regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces.
- Crushed red pepper flakes Optional for extra spice.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil Optional for garnish.
- Extra cheese Optional; use for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage and diced onion. Cook until browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the pizza sauce and add Italian seasoning. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assembly
- Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and layer mini pepperoni slices.
Baking
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown.
- For an extra crunchy topping, broil for another 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Once done, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and fresh herbs if desired. Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground meat with turkey or a meat alternative. You can also add different cheeses or fresh vegetables to your liking. For a lighter version, consider using whole-grain tater tots or cauliflower alternatives. Storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator lasts 3-4 days; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.