Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza! It combines crispy tater tots with the classic flavors of pizza, making it an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. Here’s a simple recipe to make this hearty casserole:

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, if preferred)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)

• 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni (optional, or other pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or sausage)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter.

2. Cook the Meat:

   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. When it’s browned and fully cooked, drain excess fat if needed.

   • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

   • Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Add the pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Spread the meat and pizza sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

   • Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.

   • Layer the tater tots on top of the cheese. Arrange them in a single layer, covering the entire casserole.

   • If you’re using pepperoni or other pizza toppings, sprinkle them on top of the tater tots.

4. Bake the Casserole:

   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

5. Add More Cheese:

   • Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

   • Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips:

• You can customize this casserole with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage.

• If you want a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.

• For a healthier twist, try using cauliflower tater tots or a different veggie crust.

• You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is an easy, comfort food dish that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual get-togethers. Enjoy!