Ingredients
Scale
- 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
