Pizza Tot Casserole
A delicious blend of pizza and tater tots, perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce Homemade sauce can be used as a substitute
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Adjust to taste
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided into two cups for layering
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- to taste pepperoni Add during the last few minutes of baking
- to taste olives
- to taste bell pepper
- to taste green onions
- to taste mushrooms
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- 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.
- Drain any excess grease and return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet.
- Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over it.
Baking
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- If desired, add optional toppings and bake for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Serving
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Cut into squares and serve hot. Add a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Consider adding garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.