Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
02 -
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
03 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
04 -
1 small bag pepperoni slices (about 3.5 ounces)
05 -
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 -
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce across the bottom of your prepared dish. Sprinkle about ⅓ of the pepperoni slices over the sauce.
03 -
Layer half of the frozen tater tots over the pepperoni, then half of the remaining pasta sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and another ⅓ of the pepperoni slices.
04 -
Repeat with the remaining tater tots, pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, and finish with the last of the pepperoni on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using - don't worry about measuring, just add as much as you like!
05 -
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place on the center rack of your oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let everything heat through and the cheese start melting.
06 -
Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes, or until the pepperoni is crispy and the top layer of tater tots turns golden brown and crunchy.
07 -
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve as is, or top with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
# Notes:
01 -
No need to thaw the tater tots - use them straight from the freezer
02 -
Pasta sauce works better than pizza sauce since it comes in larger jars
03 -
Feel free to add other pizza toppings like sausage, peppers, or mushrooms
04 -
The foil keeps the top from browning too quickly while the inside heats through
05 -
This is perfect for picky eaters who love pizza and tater tots