Create the Best Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole Your Family Will Love

Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with the Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole! This irresistible dish combines the comforting goodness of a classic casserole with the irresistible flavors of your favorite pizza. Packed with savory ground beef, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni, this casserole is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for both pizza and comfort food.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole

The key to this Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole is the perfect blend of classic pizza ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole

Now, let’s dive into the easy-to-follow instructions for assembling this delectable Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef and Onion: 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 fat.
3. Season and Add the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix in the pizza sauce until everything is well combined.
4. Layer the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni on top.
5. Add the Tater Tots: Distribute the frozen tater tots over the second layer. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tater tots.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing it to set and making it easier to portion out.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole

To ensure your Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole turns out amazing, here are a few helpful tips and tricks:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ground beef, fresh onions, and your favorite pizza sauce for the best flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to customize the spices to your liking, adding more or less Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste buds.
• Bake Time Variations: Oven temperatures and tater tot sizes can vary, so keep an eye on your casserole and adjust the baking time as needed to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole is perfect for making ahead and freezing for easy weeknight dinners. Simply assemble, cover, and freeze before baking.
• Reheating Tips: When reheating leftovers, you can crisp up the tater tots by baking the casserole at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the tater tots are golden brown.

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

One serving of this Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately 520 calories, 32 grams of fat, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and 30 grams of protein. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
• Cheesy Beef Nacho Casserole
• Veggie Pizza Casserole
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I cover my tater tot casserole?

No, you don’t need to cover the Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole while baking. Leaving it uncovered allows the tater tots to get nice and crispy on top.

How long to bake tater tots at 350 degrees?

For this Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole recipe, the tater tots are baked at 425°F for 25-30 minutes to achieve the desired crispy texture. Baking at 350°F would take significantly longer, around 40-45 minutes.

Why is my tater tot casserole soggy?

If your Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole is coming out soggy, there are a few possible culprits. Make sure you’re using frozen tater tots (not thawed) and that you’re not overcrowding the casserole dish. Also, be sure to bake the casserole at the recommended high temperature of 425°F to ensure the tater tots get crispy.

What temperature do you cook tater tot casserole at?

For the best results with this Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole, bake it at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. This high temperature helps the tater tots achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy texture.

Conclusion

Get ready to indulge in a cheesy, pizza-inspired masterpiece with this Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole. With its irresistible blend of ground beef, mozzarella, pepperoni, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and savor the delicious flavors of this comfort food classic with a unique twist.

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

Print