Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food that combines the crispy texture of tater tots with classic pizza flavors. Layers of marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni bake together into a cheesy, savory casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (28 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups sliced pepperoni
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for extra pizza flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Add the Pizza Sauce: Pour the marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the tater tots. Use a spoon to gently spread the sauce ensuring an even coverage over the layer of tots.
- Layer with Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then layer half of the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese. Optionally, add dried oregano and garlic powder at this stage to enhance the pizza flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with More Tater Tots and Cheese: Add a second layer of frozen tater tots over the pepperoni layer. Follow this with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grate the Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Lastly, add the remaining sliced pepperoni to finish this cheesy, savory layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting, pizza-inspired tater tot casserole!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni or use a plant-based alternative.
- Feel free to add other pizza toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Using fresh mozzarella instead of shredded can change the texture and flavor if preferred.
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil during most of the bake time to avoid drying out the casserole.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold together when slicing.
