Pizza Tot Casserole
A quick and delicious meal combining tater tots and pizza toppings into one irresistible casserole, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots Use frozen to maintain crispiness.
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with Italian sausage for enhanced flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely diced About 1 cup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced Any color works, but red adds sweetness.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms Optional, adds earthy depth.
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat lovers.
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh mozzarella can be substituted.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds sharp tang.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives Optional.
- 1/4 cup diced pepperoni Optional for pizza flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the bell pepper and mushrooms (if using) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the pizza sauce and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Assembly
- Spread the meat and sauce mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat.
- Top with a layer of tater tots.
- Add the remaining cheese, Parmesan, and any other toppings.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are golden brown.
- If desired, switch to broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Serving
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole is customizable with various toppings and ingredients. For healthier options, consider using cauliflower tots, ground turkey, or increasing the amount of vegetables.