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To make Pizza Tot Casserole, you will need: - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cups pizza sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can switch out some ingredients if needed. Use ground chicken or plant-based meat instead of beef or turkey. If you don’t have red bell pepper, any color works. For a lighter sauce, try marinara or tomato sauce. Use cheddar cheese or a blend if mozzarella isn’t available. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or spicy sausage. You can skip pepperoni for a vegetarian option. Always choose fresh vegetables for the best taste. Look for firm bell peppers and onions without blemishes. If possible, buy cheese from the deli for better quality. When using fresh basil, choose bright green leaves without brown spots. Fresh ingredients make your casserole more flavorful and appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it turns brown, stirring often. Drain any extra fat to keep the dish light. Next, add one small diced onion and one diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about five minutes until they are soft. This mix adds great flavor. Now, stir in two cups of pizza sauce, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for another five minutes. This step helps the flavors blend well. Grab a large casserole dish and spread half of the sauce mixture on the bottom. This keeps the casserole moist. Next, layer half of the frozen tater tots over the sauce. These add a nice crunch. Now, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by half of the sliced pepperoni. Repeat this process with the remaining sauce, tater tots, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Finish with a generous sprinkle of half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a tasty crust when baked. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the tater tots to turn golden brown and the cheese to bubble. This signals that it’s ready. After baking, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier. If you like, add fresh basil leaves as a garnish for color and flavor. Enjoy this easy and flavorful family meal! To get great tater tots, bake them first. Pre-baking keeps them crisp. Spread the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This step makes sure they turn golden and crunchy. No one likes soggy tots! Boost the flavor with simple changes. Add more spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in veggies like mushrooms or spinach. Try using different cheeses, too! Cheddar or provolone can add a unique taste. These tweaks help you create your perfect pizza experience. Need to feed a crowd? You can easily scale the recipe up. Just double the ingredients and use a larger dish. If you want fewer servings, cut the recipe in half. Adjust cooking time if needed. Always check that the cheese is melted and the tots are golden. This recipe is flexible to fit your needs. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality ground meat. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or different meats for a personalized touch. Layer Wisely: Ensure even cooking by layering the ingredients properly, starting with the sauce, then tater tots, and cheese on top. Let it Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape better. {{image_2}} You can make a great Pizza Tot Casserole without meat. Just swap the ground beef or turkey for a mix of beans. Black beans or chickpeas work well. Use the same amount as you would meat. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to boost flavor and nutrients. This option keeps it hearty and filling. If you want a different taste, try other meats. Ground chicken or sausage adds nice flavor. Use turkey for a leaner dish. You can also go with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick fix. Each protein brings its own twist to the casserole, so feel free to experiment. Toppings can make your casserole unique. Try adding sliced olives, diced jalapeños, or artichoke hearts for a fun mix. Different cheeses can change the flavor, too. Gouda or cheddar can add a nice touch. Don’t forget fresh herbs! Basil or oregano sprinkled on top gives a fresh taste. To store your Pizza Tot Casserole, let it cool first. Once it's at room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This will keep the flavors fresh. The casserole can stay in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave it for 2-3 minutes, but the oven gives better results. If you want to freeze the casserole, it’s best to do it before baking. Prepare the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Then wrap it in aluminum foil. This will protect it from freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as directed. Yes, you can prepare Pizza Tot Casserole ahead of time. Cook the meat and veggies, then layer the casserole but don't bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. Baking may take a few extra minutes since it's cold. If you don't have pizza sauce, marinara works well. You can also use spaghetti sauce or even your favorite barbecue sauce. These options bring their own unique flavors, so feel free to experiment. Yes, you can cook Pizza Tot Casserole in an air fryer. Use an air fryer-safe dish and layer the ingredients as you would for the oven. Cook it at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness. The tater tots will be crispy and the cheese gooey, just like in the oven. You now have all the tools to make a delicious Pizza Tot Casserole. We covered the key ingredients, how to prepare, bake, and serve. You learned tips for fresh ingredients, perfect textures, and flavor boosts. We also explored tasty variations for everyone, plus storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy trying new toppings and flavors. Remember, this dish is easy to adjust to your taste. With these steps, you can create a meal your family will love! Happy cooking!

Pizza Tot Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole combining pizza flavors with tater tots.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • In a large casserole dish, spread half of the sauce mixture evenly on the bottom.
  • Layer half of the tater tots over the sauce, followed by a layer of half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the pepperoni slices.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining sauce, tater tots, mozzarella, and pepperoni, finishing with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
Keyword casserole, pizza, tater tots