This Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and easy dish that combines the best of pizza with crispy tater tots! It’s loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite toppings.
If you’re like me, you’ll love that it’s a one-dish meal. Just mix everything together and let the oven do the magic. Plus, it’s perfect for family dinners or game day snacks! 🍕🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is great, but you can swap it with Italian sausage for warmth and flavor. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken also works well.
Onion and Bell Pepper: I love using a mix of red and green bell peppers for color and sweetness. If you’re out, you can use just one kind or even substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, but you can easily make your own by mixing canned tomato sauce with Italian spices. It adds a personal touch!
Pepperoni: If you’re watching your diet or want a healthier twist, turkey pepperoni is a lighter option. You can also replace it with sliced olives or even chopped veggies for a veggie version.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in provolone or a bit of parmesan can elevate the flavor. For dairy-free options, try using a plant-based cheese.
How Do I Get the Tater Tots Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy top on your tater tot casserole, preheat your oven properly and give the tater tots some space. Here’s how:
- Spread the tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole to allow heat to crisp them up.
- While baking, consider broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let it cool before serving; this helps the tater tots hold their shape!
How to Make Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pizza Tater Tot Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, for a total of around 50 minutes. It’s an easy one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential to ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and the tater tots get nice and crispy.
2. Cook the Meat and Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until it’s nicely browned. Once that’s done, toss in the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook everything together until the onion becomes translucent. Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.
3. Make the Sauce Mixture:
Next, stir in the pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Give it a little taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld together.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Spread the meat and veggie mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat mixture, creating a cheesy layer of goodness.
5. Add the Tater Tots:
Now it’s time for the star of the show! Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese. This will give you that crispy texture on top.
6. Finish with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Trust me, the more cheese, the better!
7. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is all bubbly and melted.
8. Let It Cool:
Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows everything to set a bit before serving. If you like, you can garnish with fresh herbs to add a pop of color.
9. Serve Hot:
Cut into generous portions and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting Pizza Tater Tot Casserole with family and friends!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use Italian sausage for a spicier kick or ground turkey for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini to add texture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Pizza Sauce?
If you don’t have pizza sauce on hand, you can easily make a quick substitute by mixing tomato sauce with a bit of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a dash of sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, marinara sauce works great too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave until heated through or warm it in the oven at 350°F until bubbly again. You might want to cover it with foil to keep moisture in!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
While frozen tater tots are best for this recipe, if you have fresh ones, you can use them! Just keep in mind that their cooking time might vary, so check for doneness when baking. They may take slightly less time to get golden and crispy.
