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Pizza Tot Casserole: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food Heaven

Pizza Tot Casserole: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food Heaven
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Craving pizza and tater tots? This Pizza Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of seasoned ground beef, savory marinara, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots come together to create a dish everyone will love. Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, this casserole is cheesy, hearty, and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 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: mini pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, green onions, mushrooms

Instructions

  • Preheat oven:
    Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

  • Cook the beef:
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft (5–7 minutes). Break up beef while cooking. Drain excess grease.

  • Season and add sauce:
    Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.

  • Assemble the casserole:
    Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef layer.

  • Add tater tots:
    Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.

  • Bake:
    Bake for 25–30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Add optional toppings:
    If using, sprinkle additional toppings over the casserole and bake for 5 more minutes until heated through.

  • Serve:
    Let cool slightly before serving so the casserole sets and is easier to slice.

Notes

  • Even layers: Spread beef mixture evenly to ensure each bite has plenty of filling.

  • Crispier tots: For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end.

  • Add veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives add color and flavor.

  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/pizza-tot-casserole-a-beginners-guide-to-comfort-food-heaven/