Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a fun and tasty meal that everyone in the family will love. It’s like pizza and comfort food all in one delicious dish! With layers of beef, cheese, and crispy tater tots, this casserole makes dinner exciting and satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is perfect for busy nights and weekend gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd without a lot of fuss. Plus, it combines your favorite pizza toppings with the unbeatable crunch of tater tots. It’s a great way to bring everyone together around the table!
How to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
Making Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is simple and fun! Just follow these easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- Additional toppings as desired (mushrooms, sausage, etc.)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any extra grease.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the pizza sauce over the beef layer and sprinkle with one cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, diced bell pepper, and olives.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add any extra toppings you like!
How to Serve Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. Cut it into squares and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. It’s great as a main dish or can be paired with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
If you have leftovers (which might be rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings!
- For an extra crunchy topping, add more tater tots or some crushed up chips on top before baking.
- If you want it to be a bit spicy, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes!
Variation
You can easily turn this casserole vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? Yes! You can use diced and cooked fresh potatoes, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as tater tots.
2. How can I make this casserole healthier? You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and add more vegetables to increase the nutrition.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for the best results.