Pin it
This tater tot pizza bake merges two beloved family meals into one mouthwatering creation. The flavorful ground beef blend topped with crunchy tater tots and gooey cheese makes a comfort food knockout that tackles pizza cravings in a fun casserole twist.
I came up with this dish when our cupboards were almost bare but my kids wanted both tater tots and pizza. What began as a desperate dinner fix has turned into our top requested meal for family movie evenings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Forms the meaty foundation just like your favorite loaded pizza
- Green pepper: Brings a crisp veggie element and genuine pizza taste
- Onion: Adds flavor complexity as it softens with the meat
- Fresh mushrooms: Deliver a rich, savory kick that makes the dish special
- Pizza sauce: Supplies that zingy tomato flavor everybody craves
- Dried basil: Spreads Italian herb notes all through the dish
- Mozzarella cheese: Gives you that stretchy cheese-pull we all want
- Frozen Tater Tots: Create a golden crunchy top that's better than regular crust
- Cheddar cheese: Offers a tangy finishing layer and pretty orange hue
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat Mixture:
- Sauté ground beef in a big skillet over medium heat until it starts browning. Throw in diced green pepper, onion, and mushrooms with the beef. Keep cooking until meat is fully browned and veggies have softened. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Pour off any extra fat from the pan so your casserole won't end up greasy.
- Season the Base:
- Mix in pizza sauce and dried basil with the meat combo, stirring well. Let everything bubble together for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. You want a saucy mixture that isn't too runny.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Dump the meat mix into a greased 3-quart baking dish or 13x9 inch pan, spreading it flat across the bottom. Scatter all 3 cups of mozzarella evenly over the meat for maximum cheesy goodness. Line up the frozen tater tots in tidy rows covering the whole cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Stick the assembled dish in a 400°F preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. The tots should turn golden and crispy on top. You'll know it's done when bubbles appear around the edges.
- Add the Finishing Touch:
- Take the casserole out and sprinkle cheddar all over the hot tots. Pop it back in the oven about 5 minutes until the cheddar melts completely and starts to bubble a bit. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so everything can settle.
Pin it
The first time this casserole hit our table, my kid said it beat regular pizza hands down. Now whenever friends come over, they always ask if I'm making "that tater tot pizza thing." Something about mixing crispy potatoes with pizza flavors just wins everyone over.
Make It Your Own
This dish welcomes changes just like your favorite pizza. Try tucking pepperoni between the meat and cheese for a classic twist. You can swap some or all of the beef with Italian sausage for extra kick. Vegetarians can use plant-based crumbles instead of meat or just double up on veggies like peppers, olives, and more mushrooms.
Storage and Reheating
Keep any leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. For best results when warming up, use a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to bring back the tot crunchiness. The microwave works in a hurry but you'll lose the crispy tots. You can also freeze this dish before or after cooking. Wrap it tight and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Team this filling casserole with a basic green salad and Italian dressing to cut through the richness. For a complete pizza night feel, add some garlic breadsticks and warm marinara for dipping. You could even set out little bowls of black olives, banana peppers, and red pepper flakes so everyone can dress up their portion just how they like it.
Pin it
This'll soon become a household favorite with its adaptable pizza flavors and crunchy tater tot topping. Dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the cheese options?
Of course! Try swapping mozzarella and cheddar for provolone or Monterey Jack to mix up the flavors.
- → Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives or extra veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
- → Any tips to add more flavor?
Add sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or some dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra taste.
- → Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble it up to a day early, store it in the fridge, and bake as usual with a bit of extra cooking time.
- → What sides go well with this?
Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or some steamed veggies for a balanced meal.