Pizza Tot Casserole
A delightful blend of ground beef, marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- mini pepperoni Optional
- olives Optional
- bell peppers Optional
- green onions Optional
- mushrooms Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Check your oven's calibration using an oven thermometer for precise baking.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and the diced onion for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef.
- Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Baking
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If using optional toppings, add them during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serving
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to three months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.