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Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish combining crispy tater tots with savory pepperoni, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or game day, it offers familiar pizza flavors in a fun, easy-to-make casserole form that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • 2030 slices pepperoni
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Optional Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the tater tots crisp up.
  2. Layer the Tater Tots: Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating a crispy base for the casserole.
  3. Add the Sauce and Seasoning: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the tater tots. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese on top to enhance the flavor.
  4. Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Generously layer shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced tater tots, then add pepperoni slices evenly. Repeat layers if your dish is deep enough to add more cheesiness and pepperoni.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  6. Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve. Then serve warm and enjoy the rich, layered flavors.

Notes

  • Use frozen tater tots for best crispiness and convenience.
  • Be generous with cheese for a creamier, more flavorful casserole.
  • Spread sauce evenly to ensure every bite is deliciously saucy.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to help it hold together when sliced.
  • Customize heat by adding spices like paprika or chili powder to the sauce as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepperoni pizza casserole, tater tot casserole, cheesy pizza bake, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole recipe