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Delicious Pizza Tot Casserole with melted cheese and pepperoni

Pizza Tot Casserole

A hearty, one-pan casserole combining the savory taste of pizza with the crunch of tater tots, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Can substitute with pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve some for topping.
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
Optional Toppings
  • pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms Add for extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Assembly
  1. Mix in marinara, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Simmer for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
  2. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the greased dish. Layer 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
  3. Arrange tater tots over the beef mixture and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
  2. Optional: Add toppings and bake an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve.

Notes

For the ultimate crunch, try broiling the top for a couple of minutes after baking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.