Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

About This Recipe

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a baked dish combining frozen tater tots, pizza sauce, cheese, and pizza toppings in a single casserole dish. It requires basic preparation and oven baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple, widely available ingredients
• Requires minimal preparation time
• Combines popular pizza flavors with tater tot texture
• Suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 (16 oz) jar pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Spread cooked meat evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Pour pizza sauce over the meat layer and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the sauce.
6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tater tots are golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

10. FAQ

    Can I use different toppings?
    Yes, common pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added before baking.

    Can I prepare this ahead of time?
    Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

    Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
    Yes, substitute jarred sauce with 1.5-2 cups of homemade pizza sauce if preferred.

    You Must Know

    • Frozen tater tots should not be thawed before baking
    • Ensure ground meat is fully cooked before assembling
    • Baking times may vary based on oven performance

    Storage Tips

    • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days
    • Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through
    • Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in potatoes

    Enjoy!