Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory Italian sausage, tangy pizza sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses. Topped with pepperoni and optional veggies, it’s baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh herbs for a delightful family-friendly meal.
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 Vegetables
- 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 the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake the tater tots. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared dish. Bake them for 15 minutes to allow them to start crisping up without thawing first.
- Cook the meat sauce. While the tots bake, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to create a flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the casserole. Remove the partially baked tots from the oven and spread the meat sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar cheese, sliced pepperoni, and optional vegetables like bell peppers and black olives on top.
- Bake the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve. Once baked, garnish the casserole with fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey for sausage or beef for a lighter option.
- Optional vegetables like bell peppers and black olives add extra flavor and color but can be omitted if preferred.
- Broiling the casserole briefly at the end adds a crispy finish to the cheese topping.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked meat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling it and refrigerating before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
