Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage (or preferred ground meat)
- 1 ounce chopped pepperoni slices
- 14 ounces pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon pizza and pasta seasoning blend (optional)
Cheese
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 1 ounce pepperoni slices (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: onions, peppers, black olives, etc.
Base
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add pepperoni: Stir in the chopped pepperoni slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine sauce and seasoning: Add the pizza sauce and optional pizza and pasta seasoning blend to the meat mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly. Layer the mozzarella cheese slices over the meat.
- Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Top with cheese and toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tater tots. Add the remaining pepperoni slices and any additional desired toppings. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Notes
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.
- For a crispier bottom layer, line your baking dish with parchment paper before assembling.
- Using freshly shredded mozzarella cheese enhances melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg