Tater Tot Pizza Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing, Cheesy Comfort Dish
What is Tater Tot Pizza Casserole?
Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the delicious love child of two American comfort food classics—pizza and casserole. This dish takes all your favorite pizza flavors—savory meat, gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and spicy pepperoni—and layers them with crispy, golden tater tots to create a casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day feasts. With just five simple ingredients, it’s a fuss-free meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Ultimate Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
To whip up this mouthwatering casserole, gather the following ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
½ cup sliced pepperoni
These pantry and freezer staples come together to create a cheesy, meaty, and crispy casserole that satisfies every pizza craving.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Add the Sauce
Stir in 1 cup of pizza sauce with the cooked beef. Mix until the beef is fully coated. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Layer the ingredients in your prepared baking dish as follows:
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the meat layer.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella evenly over the tater tots.
Top with sliced pepperoni, spacing them evenly for a classic pizza topping effect.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and the best texture.
Why This Casserole is an Instant Family Favorite
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