If you love pizza and casseroles, this mash-up is going to be your new favorite comfort meal. Combining crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and savory pizza toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Inspired by the classic Midwestern love for Tater tots, this casserole transforms a freezer staple into a hearty dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
- One-dish meal
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Family-friendly
- Highly customizable
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- Optional: bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives
Quick & Easy Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese and add pepperoni.
- Bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese melts and tots are golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Swap beef for Italian sausage.
- Make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
