Description
Pizza Tot Casserole is a deliciously hearty dish combining Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and pizza sauce layered with shredded Mozzarella and crispy tater tots. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole makes a perfect comfort meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 3 ounces pepperoni slices (halved)
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded (8 oz.)
Vegetables
- 1 small green pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 4 ounces fresh mushrooms (chopped)
Sauces & Others
- 1 jar pizza sauce (14-15 oz.)
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz.)
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the Italian sausage with the chopped green pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Cook until the sausage is fully browned with no pink remaining and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Pepperoni and Sauce: Return the sausage and vegetables mixture to the skillet. Stir in the halved pepperoni slices and the entire jar of pizza sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the sausage mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese uniformly over the top. Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots over the cheese layer.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Feel free to add other pizza toppings such as black olives or sliced jalapenos.
