Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish combining crispy tater tots, savory Italian sausage, classic pizza sauce, melty cheeses, and pepperoni. Perfect for a family meal or casual get-together, it combines all the flavors of pizza in a hearty casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 (15 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (3.5 oz) package sliced pepperoni
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced black olives
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Partially Bake Tater Tots: Evenly spread the frozen tater tots in the prepared baking dish. Bake them for 15 minutes until they start to crisp up, no thawing needed.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to create a flavorful meat sauce.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the prepared meat sauce evenly over the partially baked tater tots. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top, followed by the sliced pepperoni and optional veggies like diced bell peppers and black olives.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, optionally broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner meat option.
- Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice crispness to the cheese and pepperoni.
- Make sure to drain the cooked meat well to avoid greasy casserole.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
