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Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Pizza Tot Casserole is a delicious and hearty layered dish featuring crispy tater tots, seasoned Italian sausage, flavorful pizza sauce, and a melty blend of cheeses. Topped with classic pizza ingredients like pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Be sure to break it up as it cooks for even browning. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked sausage and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens, enhancing the flavor base.
  4. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors together.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of the frozen tater tots in an even layer to form the bottom layer of the casserole.
  6. Layer Meat and Cheese: Pour the meat sauce mixture evenly over the tater tots, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Add More Layers: Layer the remaining tater tots over the cheese, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining mozzarella cheese, creating a cheesy layer that will melt beautifully.
  8. Top with Toppings: Scatter mini pepperoni slices, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms evenly over the top for added texture and classic pizza flavors.
  9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

  • Use ground beef as a substitute for Italian sausage if preferred for a milder flavor.
  • Feel free to customize the vegetable toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
  • For a spicier casserole, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/pizza-tot-casserole-recipe-2/