There’s something heartwarming about gathering the family for a meal that brings smiles and fills the air with mouthwatering aromas. Our Pizza Tater Tot Casserole embodies that spirit, merging the best of pizza night with everyone’s love for crispy, golden tater tots. This recipe is a delightful creation, perfect for casual family dinners or fun seasonal gatherings. The fusion of classic pizza flavors and the texture of tater tots creates a comforting dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 package (16 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 20-25 slices of pepperoni
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage and diced onion over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the onion turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir the pizza sauce into the sausage mixture, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Spread the sausage and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sausage layer.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
  8. Top with pepperoni slices, distributing them evenly over the surface.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  10. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the blend of pizza flavors with a comforting twist!

Helpful Tips

For a spicier kick, use spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with diced bell peppers and mushrooms. This dish can easily be made ahead; simply assemble the casserole, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

We hope this Pizza Tater Tot Casserole adds a special touch to your family meals! Remember to share your creative variations and pictures using #ZynahzRecipes or tagging us on Instagram. We’d love to hear your feedback on our website www.zynahz.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for delicious updates, and follow Zynahz on social media for more recipe inspirations!

Last Update: November 28, 2024