Description
Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish that layers seasoned ground beef, vegetables, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and crispy Tater Tots baked to golden perfection, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole combines classic pizza flavors with crispy potato tots, making it a family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped green pepper, onion, and sliced mushrooms. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, drain and discard any excess grease and liquid from the meat and vegetables.
- Assemble the casserole: Stir the pizza sauce and dried basil into the cooked beef and vegetable mixture until well combined. Transfer this mixture to a greased 3-quart or 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to form the base layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture. Then, arrange the frozen Tater Tots evenly on top of the cheese layer. (Tip: To reduce cleanup, you can cook the beef and vegetables in an oven-safe skillet and assemble the casserole directly in the same skillet.)
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are lightly browned and crispy. After this initial baking, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the casserole to the oven to bake for about 5 minutes more, or until the cheddar cheese has melted completely.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding olives, pepperoni, or cooked sausage for extra pizza flavor.
- If you want a vegetarian option, substitute plant-based ground meat and omit the traditional meats.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to cook and bake the casserole to minimize cleanup.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after cheese melts, watching carefully to prevent burning.
