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Pizza Tot Casserole

This quick and easy Pizza Tot Casserole combines ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheesy tater tots, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced Fresh onion = sweeter base
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Use a good marinara = better depth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Finely shredded mozzarella melts best
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
  • pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms Add for last 5 minutes of baking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish or line with parchment paper.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until browned and softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Drain excess grease using a slotted spoon.
  4. Return beef to the skillet, add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer and thicken for 2–3 minutes.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Spread the beef and sauce evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella over the meat.
  2. Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top, pressing lightly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese over the tots.
  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes until tots are golden and cheese is bubbling.
  4. Add any optional toppings for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serving
  1. Remove from oven and let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze portions up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes to keep tots crisp.