Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines crispy tater tots with savory Italian sausage, rich pizza sauce, and melty cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole delivers all the flavors of pizza in a hearty, baked casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or beef (or use 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
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared dish and bake them for 15 minutes to crisp up. There’s no need to thaw before baking.
- Cook Meat and Prepare Sauce: While the tots bake, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease then stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to create a flavorful meat sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the meat sauce evenly over the partially baked tater tots. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top, then add the sliced pepperoni along with optional diced bell peppers and sliced black olives if using.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add other pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice crunchy cheese topping.
- Make sure to drain grease from the cooked meat to avoid a soggy casserole.
- This casserole can be reheated well and makes great leftovers.
