Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 25 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Pizza Tater Tot Casserole combines the flavors of classic pizza with a crispy, golden tater tot topping for a comforting and easy-to-make meal. Ground beef is cooked with vegetables and seasoned with pizza sauce and herbs, layered with mozzarella cheese and tater tots, then baked to perfection and finished with melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

Other Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1 package (32 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. 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 until the beef is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, drain and discard any excess grease and liquid from the skillet.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  3. Assemble the casserole: Stir the pizza sauce and dried basil into the cooked beef and vegetable mixture. Transfer this mixture into a greased 3-quart or 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by an even arrangement of the frozen Tater Tots.
  4. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tater tots become lightly browned and crispy.
  5. Add cheddar cheese and finish baking: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheddar is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can cook the beef and vegetables directly in an oven-safe skillet, then assemble and bake the casserole in the same pan to reduce cleanup.
  • Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables such as olives or jalapeños for extra flavor.
  • For a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • Use part-skim cheeses to lower fat content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/pizza-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/