Pizza Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
450 g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
02 -
1 small onion, finely diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
375 ml pizza sauce or marinara
05 -
170 g shredded mozzarella cheese
06 -
60 g shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
07 -
800–900 g frozen tater tots
08 -
60 g sliced pepperoni
→ Optional Toppings
09 -
Sliced black olives
10 -
Diced green peppers
11 -
Sliced mushrooms
12 -
Sliced jalapeños
13 -
Cooked bacon
→ Seasoning and Preparation
14 -
Salt, to taste
15 -
Black pepper, to taste
16 -
Cooking spray or oil for greasing
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a 33x23 cm baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
02 -
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onion until the meat is browned throughout. Drain off any excess fat.
03 -
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add pizza sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
04 -
Distribute the meat and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and, if using, cheddar cheese.
05 -
Place frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. Scatter sliced pepperoni and any desired optional toppings over the tater tots.
06 -
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crisp and golden brown.
07 -
In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle additional cheese over the top if desired. Allow to melt fully before removing from the oven.
08 -
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For a crisper finish, arrange tater tots with minimal overlap and avoid overcrowding the baking dish.
02 -
Customize with your favorite pizza-inspired toppings or sauces to suit personal tastes.