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–+ servings
image of frozen tater tots ground beef Italian sausage pizza sauce marinara mozzarella cheese pepperoni slices onions green peppers mushrooms black olives bacon ground turkey pasta sauce Monterey Jack cheese arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Cheesy Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

This comforting Cheesy Tater Tot Pizza Casserole combines the nostalgic flavors of pizza with crispy tater tots for an easy, kid-friendly dinner that satisfies the whole family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

The Base
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots keep frozen for best crisping
The Meat Layer
  • 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or blend or ground turkey for lighter version
The Sauce
  • 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara quality, or two small jars
The Cheese Factor
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture, full-fat mozzarella cheese divided
The Toppings
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni mini size works, divided
Aromatics
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion optional but recommended
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
Fat for Sautéing
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup sautéed green peppers or sliced mushrooms, black olives

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Large skillet,
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil spray for easy serving.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef (or sausage blend) and ½ cup diced onion if using. Break up the meat, season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Cook until browned and onion is translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer for 3 minutes to marry flavors.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup pepperoni.
  5. Pour mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13 baking dish. Spread with spoon.
  6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce, close together but not overlapping.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes to heat filling and start crisping tots.
  8. Remove from oven. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella over top, then arrange remaining ½ cup pepperoni.
  9. Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and tots golden. Rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 28g

Notes

For maximum crunch, par-bake tots separately. Variations: Add fennel seeds for Italian flavor, use cheese blend, make vegetarian with mushrooms/tofu, or gluten-free. Storage: Refrigerate 3-4 days; freeze baked up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-40 minutes or air fryer 5-7 minutes. Make ahead: Assemble base, refrigerate 24 hours, add toppings before baking.
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