Description
An easy, cheesy, and crispy comfort food dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals. This casserole combines savory ground beef, melty cheese, pizza flavors, and crispy Tater Tots for the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1–1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish (or 3-quart casserole dish) with cooking spray. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. - Add Vegetables
Stir in the chopped onion, green pepper (if using), and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. - Add Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in the pizza sauce and dried basil. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the mixture.
Arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese. - Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and crispy. - Add Cheddar Cheese Topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the Tater Tots.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil (optional).
Notes
- Vegetable Options: You can substitute or add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Customizable Toppings: Add pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, or black olives for a pizza-inspired twist.
- Healthier Swap: Use lean ground turkey or cauliflower tots for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the casserole
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg