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.