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