Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole: A Family Dinner Winner (Print Version)

Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole brings crispy tots, savory pizza sauce, and gooey cheese together for an easy, crowd-pleasing family dinner. Quick and satisfying!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
02 - 1 lb lean ground beef (or Italian sausage)
03 - 1 medium onion, diced

→ Pizza Flavors

04 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza sauce
06 - 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (mini preferred)

→ Cheesy Goodness

07 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Seasonings & Spices

08 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a large skillet sizzling over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef (or sausage, if you're feeling spicy!) and break it up with a spoon. Brown it until it's no longer pink, then drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for flavor, and honestly, I always manage to splatter a little grease on my stovetop, but it's part of the process! Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until they're soft and fragrant – the smell alone is enough to make your stomach rumble.
02 - Now, for the good stuff! Stir in your favorite pizza sauce and a generous teaspoon of Italian seasoning with the cooked meat mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing all those beautiful flavors to meld together. This is where the magic truly starts for our Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole. I once rushed this step and the sauce felt a bit bland, so don't skip the simmer! Taste it, adjust the salt and pepper if you need to, like you're your own personal chef. Don't be shy!
03 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish – my trusty old ceramic one works every time. Spread that glorious meat and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots over the sauce. This part is surprisingly satisfying, like building a little potato wall. Make sure they're mostly in a single layer for maximum crispiness later. It's okay if a few are a little wonky, mine always are!
04 - Sprinkle about half of your shredded mozzarella cheese over the tater tots. Then, artfully (or haphazardly, no judgment here!) arrange your pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Honestly, I usually add more pepperoni than strictly necessary. It's pizza, after all! Top that with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This final layer of cheese is going to create that irresistible golden crust and gooey interior that makes this Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole so special.
05 - Pop that beautiful dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on the edges. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells like the best pizza joint in town. Don't be afraid to peek in and check on it – I always do, usually with my nose pressed against the oven door. Every oven is a little different, so trust your instincts here!
06 - This is the hardest part, I swear. Once it's out of the oven, let your Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set a bit and prevents it from being a total sloppy mess when you scoop it out. Garnish with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Then, dig in! The crispy tots, the savory pizza filling, the gooey cheese… it's pure comfort in every bite. Enjoy your masterpiece!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the baking dish; a single layer of tots really helps them crisp up.
02 - Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) is best for retaining texture.
03 - Ground turkey works as a substitute, but you might want to add extra seasoning for flavor.
04 - Serving with a fresh green salad cuts through the richness beautifully.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 9x13 inch baking dish

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 28g

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