Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory Italian sausage, tangy pizza sauce, and melted cheeses for a crowd-pleasing meal. With layers of deliciousness topped with pepperoni and optional veggies, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or beef (or use turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 (15 oz) jar pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (3.5 oz) package sliced pepperoni
Optional Vegetables
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Partially bake tater tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes to crisp them up; no need to thaw beforehand.
- Brown the meat: While the tots bake, cook the ground Italian sausage or beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Make meat sauce: Stir the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the cooked meat until well combined and heated through.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the meat sauce evenly over the partially baked tater tots. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, then layer the sliced pepperoni and optional diced bell peppers and black olives.
- Bake until bubbly: Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes if desired.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.
- Broiling at the end helps achieve a golden, crispy cheese top but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
