Pizza Tot Casserole
A hearty casserole with layers of ground beef, marinara sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef May substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- 1 small onion diced onion Enhance flavor by sautéing with garlic.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Can use your favorite pizza sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Can swap for provolone or cheddar.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
Optional Toppings
- Pepperoni Add during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Olives Add during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Bell peppers Add during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Green onions Add during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Mushrooms Add during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use parchment paper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain excess grease.
- Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
Assembly
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared dish, topping with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Layer frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tater tots.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and cheese is melted.
- Add optional toppings during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.