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To make a great Pizza Tot Casserole, you need the following main ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced into small cubes - 2 cups pizza sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked 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 These items create a comforting and tasty dish. The blend of meat, cheese, and veggies gives it charm. The tater tots add a fun twist that kids adore. You can customize your casserole with optional toppings and add-ins. Consider these choices: - Sliced olives for a briny bite - Diced mushrooms for extra earthiness - Spinach for a pop of color and nutrition - Crumbled feta cheese for a tangy kick These extras let you tailor the dish to your family’s tastes. It’s a great way to use leftovers too! If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps: - Use ground chicken or plant-based meat for a lighter option. - Swap tater tots for sweet potato tots for a healthier twist. - Choose gluten-free pizza sauce to keep it gluten-free. - Vegan cheese can replace mozzarella for a dairy-free variant. These substitutions help everyone enjoy this dish without worry. You can still make it delicious and satisfying! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced into small cubes - 2 cups pizza sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked 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) First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispy tots. Next, brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until there is no pink left. Drain any excess fat to keep it light. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about five minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Now, pour in the pizza sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir it well and let it simmer for five more minutes. This lets all the flavors mix nicely. Grab a large casserole dish. Spread half of the sauce mixture evenly on the bottom. This makes a tasty base. Next, layer half of the frozen tater tots over the sauce. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni. Repeat this process. Add the remaining sauce, tater tots, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Each layer should be packed with flavor. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will give it a nice golden crust. Place your casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tater tots turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Once it’s ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set before you cut into it. If you want, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. It adds a nice touch and some fresh flavor. Enjoy your meal! To achieve crispy tater tots, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and get that golden crust. Bake them for about 20 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This step ensures every bite is crunchy. Seasoning is key to making your pizza tot casserole shine. Adding Italian seasoning enhances the pizza flavor. Don't forget to sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper throughout. For extra zest, consider adding garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes. This adds heat and depth to your dish. Layering is essential for a well-balanced casserole. Start with half of the sauce on the bottom. This keeps everything moist. Then add half of the tater tots, followed by cheese and pepperoni. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Make sure every layer is even. This helps each bite be full of flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Browned Meat: Ensure your ground meat is well-browned to develop deeper flavors. Don't rush this step; allow it to caramelize slightly for that savory taste. Layering for Crispiness: When layering the tater tots, try to spread them evenly to ensure all parts get that delightful crispiness when baked. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack with mozzarella for a unique flavor profile and added depth. Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Add veggies like mushrooms or olives, or switch up the protein for a fun twist on this classic dish. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this casserole. Substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. Both options add great flavor and texture. Use more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or olives. Top it with extra cheese for a rich taste. This dish remains fun and tasty for all! If you love heat, add spicy pepperoni or sausage. These meats give the casserole a bold kick. You can mix in jalapeños or crushed red pepper for extra spice. Just be careful not to overpower the dish. Balance is key to keep everyone happy. For a gluten-free version, try using cauliflower tater tots. They taste great and give a unique twist. Another option is to make homemade tater tots using gluten-free potatoes. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. Enjoy a delicious meal without worry! After your meal, let the casserole cool down. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. For meal prep, you can freeze Pizza Tot Casserole. First, cool it completely. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make Pizza Tot Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish as usual, but stop before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To reheat Pizza Tot Casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it's hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Yes! Fresh vegetables work well in this dish. You can chop fresh onions and bell peppers instead of frozen ones. Sauté them until soft before adding to the sauce. Fresh veggies can add great flavor and texture to the casserole. Pizza Tot Casserole lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to label it with the date! Pizza Tot Casserole brings comfort and fun to your meals. We covered its tasty ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can customize it with different toppings or make it vegetarian or gluten-free. Storage and reheating tips ensure you enjoy leftovers too. With these ideas, you can create a dish your whole family will love. Don't wait; it's time to make your own delicious casserole!

Pizza Tot Casserole Delight

A delicious casserole combining pizza flavors with crispy tater tots.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it's ready for your casserole!
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep it light.
  • Now, add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
  • Pour in the pizza sauce, add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  • Take a large casserole dish and evenly spread half of the sauce mixture across the bottom to create a flavorful base.
  • Next, layer half of the frozen tater tots over the sauce, creating a crispy foundation. Top it off with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni.
  • Repeat the layering process with the remaining sauce, tater tots, mozzarella, and pepperoni, ensuring every layer is packed with flavor and delight. Finish by generously sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese on top for that golden finish.
  • Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is deliciously bubbly and melted.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into hearty portions.
  • If you’d like, garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness and aroma.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, pizza, tater tots