Why Make This Recipe
Pizza Tot Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe combines the beloved tastes of pizza with the comfort of a warm casserole. It’s great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for a few days. It’s not only kid-friendly but also a fun way to use your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just want a cozy dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional Toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure your oven is properly calibrated by using an oven thermometer.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. This will prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- If desired, add optional toppings and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Pizza Tot Casserole
Serve Pizza Tot Casserole straight from the dish. Simply cut into portions and enjoy it warm. You can add extra toppings like fresh herbs or more cheese if desired. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread to make it a complete meal.
How to Store Pizza Tot Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Tips to Make Pizza Tot Casserole
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease in the casserole.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized touch.
- For extra richness, add a layer of cream cheese or ricotta cheese between the sauce and tater tots.
- Monitor the casserole closely while it bakes to prevent burning.
Variation
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian version. This recipe is very flexible, allowing you to substitute or add different vegetables according to your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh ingredients instead of frozen tater tots?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just slice them thinly and layer them like the tater tots, but adjust the cooking time as fresh potatoes may take longer to cook.
2. Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
3. Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, you can reheat Pizza Tot Casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Pizza Tot Casserole
A delicious casserole that combines the flavors of pizza with the comfort of tater tots, perfect for a crowd or leftovers.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional Toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure your oven is properly calibrated using an oven thermometer.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- If desired, add optional toppings and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to reduce grease. Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for healthier options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Optional Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pizza casserole, tater tot casserole, easy dinner recipe