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To make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole, you need a few main ingredients. Each one adds a special touch to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty casserole. The ground meat gives a hearty base, while the pizza sauce adds flavor. The pepperoni and cheese create that classic pizza taste. Tater tots on top provide a crispy finish that everyone loves. You can add fresh basil at the end for a pop of color and flavor. This recipe is simple but packed with deliciousness. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly. 2. Chop one small onion finely. This will add flavor to the meat mixture. 3. Mince two cloves of garlic. Garlic gives a nice aroma and taste to the dish. 1. In a large skillet, cook one pound of ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Brown the meat for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure it is no longer pink. 2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your dish lean and healthy. 3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté this mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. 4. Pour in one can of pizza sauce and add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well. 1. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This keeps the casserole from sticking. 2. Spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly in the baking dish. This forms a tasty bottom layer. 3. Layer sliced pepperoni over the meat mixture. Make sure it is spread out evenly. 4. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni. This cheese melts and adds creaminess. 5. Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. It’s okay if they overlap a little. 6. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the tater tots. This ensures a cheesy topping. 7. Finish with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. 1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 2. Keep an eye on it. Look for the tater tots to turn a golden brown color. 3. The cheese should be bubbly and delicious. This means it’s ready to eat! 4. After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it firm up for slicing. 5. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Always cook the meat until it is fully brown. This makes sure it's safe to eat. - After browning the meat, drain the fat. This helps keep your dish leaner and tastier. - For even cooking, layer the ingredients well. Start with the meat, then cheese, and finish with tater tots. - To get crispy tater tots, spread them in a single layer. If they overlap, don’t worry; they will still turn out tasty. - Serve the casserole with fresh basil on top. This adds a nice color and flavor. - Pair it with a side salad. This gives a refreshing touch and balances the meal. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess fat and calories while keeping the dish flavorful. Fresh Garlic is Key: Always use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-packaged to enhance the aromatic flavors of the casserole. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a personalized touch. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing to ensure cleaner cuts and better presentation. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the meat, use ground turkey. It’s lean and tasty. You can also try ground chicken for a lighter option. For those who prefer a meatless meal, use a mix of beans and lentils. They add protein and flavor without meat. To add more flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms. These veggies bring color and taste. You can also use different cheeses. Try cheddar for a sharper flavor or a blend of cheeses for extra creaminess. For a gluten-free dish, look for gluten-free tater tots. They are just as crispy and delicious. If you are on a low-carb diet, use cauliflower tots instead. They offer a great base and lower the carbs in your meal. To keep your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of baking. This helps to prevent bacteria growth. Use a shallow dish for quick cooling. Make sure to cover it tightly to avoid drying out. You can easily freeze Tater Tot Pizza Casserole. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easier thawing later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. For best taste, eat within three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Check that it's hot all the way through before serving. In the fridge, leftovers last about 3-4 days. Make sure to eat them during this time for the best flavor and safety. If you freeze it, aim to enjoy it within three months. While it may last longer, quality may decline after that. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. To make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole vegetarian, swap the meat for veggies. You can use mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Add a can of drained black beans for extra protein. This mix keeps the dish hearty and tasty. Follow the same steps as the meat version. Just sauté the veggies until soft before adding them to the sauce. Yes, you can use different types of meat. Ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option. You might also try ground chicken or sausage for a different flavor. Just cook the meat until no longer pink. Then, follow the steps in the recipe. Feel free to mix in different spices to match your taste. Tater Tot Pizza Casserole pairs nicely with a side salad. A simple green salad adds freshness to the meal. You can also serve garlic bread or breadsticks for extra fun. For drinks, try soda or lemonade. Both add a nice touch to this casual dinner. Tater Tot Pizza Casserole takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake. You want the tater tots to be golden brown and crispy. Check the cheese, too. It should be bubbly and melted. After baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve. This blog post shared a simple and fun recipe for Tater Tot Pizza Casserole. We covered the key ingredients, how to prep and cook, and tips for perfecting your dish. Vary the recipe with substitutions or enhance flavors to suit your taste. Storing leftovers is easy, and you can freeze extra servings for later. Enjoy your delicious casserole and impress your friends and family with this treat. Cooking can be simple and satisfying!

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole combining tater tots, pizza flavors, and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can pizza sauce (15 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it is no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Ensure to drain any excess fat afterward for a leaner dish.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.
  • Pour in the pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes, which will allow the delicious flavors to meld beautifully. Once simmered, remove from heat.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the prepared meat and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to create a flavorful base.
  • Layer the sliced pepperoni on top of the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution. Follow this with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, which will melt beautifully when baked.
  • Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly; they will bake up perfectly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots for an extra cheesy topping, then finish off with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy while the cheese bubbles enticingly.
  • Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes to firm up before slicing. For a fresh touch, garnish with basil leaves if you like!

Notes

Serve with fresh basil and a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, pizza, tater tots