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Why Make This Recipe

Pizza Tot Casserole is a fantastic dish that combines two beloved comfort foods: pizza and tater tots! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a simple weeknight meal. This recipe is easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginner cooks. Plus, the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.

How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms

Cheesy pizza tot casserole in a glass baking dish, topped with crispy tater tots, browned ground beef, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni slices. — Pizza Tot Casserole turns frozen tater tots, ground beef, and gooey cheese into an easy, beginner-friendly comfort food that tastes like pizza in casserole form.

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for accurate baking. An oven thermometer can be helpful.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Greasing the dish will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the ground beef with a spoon as it cooks. Draining any excess grease is important – this will prevent the casserole from being too greasy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked beef and onions from the skillet, leaving any excess grease behind.
Add the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet (or you can add the beef and onion mixture back to the skillet). Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the beef mixture is spread in an even layer so that every bite has the same amount of filling. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. This layer of cheese will help to hold the tater tots in place and create a cheesy base.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture. Try to arrange the tater tots in a way that covers as much of the beef mixture as possible. You can arrange them in neat rows or scatter them randomly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots. This layer of cheese will melt and become bubbly, creating a delicious topping.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time to prevent the tater tots from burning. The edges of the tater tots should be nicely browned.
If desired, add mini pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, or any other pizza toppings over the casserole. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until toppings are heated through. Adding toppings during the last few minutes of baking will prevent them from becoming overcooked or burnt.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Letting the casserole cool slightly will make it easier to serve and prevent it from being too hot. It also allows the cheese to set slightly. Enjoy your pizza-flavored comfort casserole!

How to Serve Pizza Tot Casserole

Serve your Pizza Tot Casserole hot from the oven! Cut it into squares and serve it on plates. You can also add a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, on top before serving.

How to Store Pizza Tot Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it by wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Use lean ground beef to make your casserole a bit healthier. Ground turkey or chicken are also great substitutes.
Feel free to add more veggies into the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

make-ahead & meal prep tips for pizza tot casserole

PIZZA TOT CASSEROLE IS PERFECT FOR MAKE-AHEAD MEALS AND BUSY NIGHTS. YOU CAN ASSEMBLE THE ENTIRE CASSEROLE UP TO A DAY IN ADVANCE: PREPARE THE BEEF AND SAUCE MIXTURE, LAYER IT IN THE DISH WITH CHEESE AND TATER TOTS, THEN COVER TIGHTLY AND STORE IT IN THE REFRIGERATOR UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO BAKE. WHEN IT’S DINNER TIME, SIMPLY BAKE AS DIRECTED, ADDING A FEW EXTRA MINUTES IF BAKING STRAIGHT FROM THE FRIDGE. IT ALSO REHEATS WELL, MAKING IT GREAT FOR LEFTOVER LUNCHES—JUST WARM INDIVIDUAL PORTIONS IN THE OVEN OR MICROWAVE UNTIL HOT AND CRISPY AGAIN. THIS MAKES IT A GREAT “COOK ONCE, EAT TWICE” RECIPE FOR BUSY FAMILIES.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use plant-based ground meat alternatives.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, you can! Homemade pizza sauce or any red sauce you enjoy can be excellent substitutes.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

3. What other toppings can I add?
The options are endless! You can add things like cooked sausage, cooked bacon, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor.