Description
A cozy casserole combining crispy tater tots, pizza sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting dinner that’s perfect for picky eaters and busy nights.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 32 oz Frozen tater tots (Classic ones for best crisp.)
- 1 cup Pizza sauce or marinara (Thicker sauce preferred.)
- 2 cups Cheese (mozzarella and provolone or cheddar) (Freshly shredded is best.)
Optional toppings
- 1 cup Cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef (Cooked meat before adding.)
- 1 cup Chopped veggies (bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, olives) (Sauté if using raw.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (For added flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Optional seasoning.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (For spiciness.)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (Sprinkle on top before serving.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- If using meat, brown it in a skillet and drain any excess grease.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a tight, single layer in the dish.
Baking
- Bake the tater tots for about 20 minutes until they’re starting to crisp.
- Remove from oven and add toppings: add sauce in spoonfuls, followed by meat and veggies, and finally a generous layer of cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from collapsing.
Notes
For best results, use a tight layer of tater tots and avoid adding too much moisture with sauce or toppings to keep the casserole crispy. Meal prep friendly; cook meat and chop veggies ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food