Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious Pizza Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, pizza sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses topped with crispy tater tots. This comforting oven-baked dish combines the flavors of pizza with the crispy texture of tater tots for a family-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetables
- 1–1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Cheese and Toppings
- 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: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with chopped green pepper, onion, and sliced mushrooms. Stir and break up the beef into small crumbles until the meat is no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease and moisture from the cooked mixture.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine sauce and basil: Stir the pizza sauce and dried basil into the cooked beef and vegetable mixture until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 3-quart or 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom, then top it with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. (Tip: You can cook and assemble the casserole in an oven-safe skillet to reduce cleanup.)
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add cheddar cheese and finish baking: Remove the casserole carefully from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Optional vegetables such as green pepper can be omitted if preferred.
- Using an oven-safe skillet for cooking and baking minimizes dishes.
- Ensure tater tots are spread in a single layer for even browning.
- Feel free to substitute part-skim mozzarella with a full-fat variety for richer flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: Pizza Tater Tot Casserole, tater tot casserole, baked casserole, ground beef casserole, family dinner, comfort food
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/pizza-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/
