Description
A comforting and kid-friendly Pizza Tot Casserole layered with saucy beef, melted cheese, and golden tater tots – perfect for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet, brown the beef and onion until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
3. Season and Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer.
4. Assemble: Spread the beef mixture in the dish, sprinkle 1 cup cheese, and arrange tater tots on top. Add remaining cheese.
5. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until tots are golden and cheese is bubbly.
6. Add Toppings: Add pepperoni or other toppings. Bake 5 more minutes.
7. Serve: Cool slightly before serving and enjoy!
Notes
Try using Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
Vegetarian? Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils.
Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Pizza Tot Casserole, tater tot bake, kid friendly casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food