Pizza Tot Casserole
If you love **pizza and tater tots**, this **Pizza Tot Casserole** is the **ultimate comfort food mash-up**! With **crispy tater tots, melty cheese, and a savory pizza-style topping**, this dish is **perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or potlucks**.
Equipment
- - Large skillet
- - 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- - 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- - 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- - ½ teaspoon onion powder
- - 1 15 oz jar pizza sauce (or marinara)
- - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- - ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- - ¼ cup sliced black olives optional
- - ¼ cup diced bell peppers optional
- - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- #### **Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Casserole Base**
- Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Lightly grease a **9x13-inch baking dish**.
- #### **Step 2: Cook the Meat**
- In a large skillet, cook **ground beef or sausage** over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in **Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pizza sauce**. Simmer for **2 minutes**, then remove from heat.
- #### **Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**
- Spread the **meat mixture** evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle **1 cup mozzarella cheese** over the meat. Arrange **tater tots** in a single layer on top.
- #### **Step 4: Bake the Casserole**
- Bake uncovered for **25 minutes**, or until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- #### **Step 5: Add Pizza Toppings & Bake Again**
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining **mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese** on top. Bake for **5-7 more minutes**, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- #### **Step 6: Serve & Enjoy**
- Let the casserole cool for **5 minutes** before serving. Garnish with **red pepper flakes or fresh basil** if desired.