Step into the world of comfort food with the delightful Pizza Tot Casserole—an easy twist on a classic casserole that promises to be a hit with your family. Sharon Skildum from Maple Grove, Minnesota, offers a simple and versatile version that allows you to customize with your family’s favorite pizza toppings, making it a fun and delicious dish for everyone to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, green pepper, onion, and mushrooms over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce and dried basil.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Top it with shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and evenly distribute the frozen Tater Tots over the top.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 400° F for 30-35 minutes or until the Tater Tots are lightly browned.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, and bake it for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
YIELD: 8 servings
PREP/BAKE TIME: 10 minutes (preparation) + 35 minutes (baking)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Customize the casserole by adding your family’s favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the ground beef for a healthier dish.
TIPS:
- For added convenience, use pre-sliced fresh mushrooms, or you can sauté them in advance to enhance their flavor.
- Feel free to substitute part of the mozzarella cheese with other cheese varieties, such as provolone or gouda, to add a unique twist to the casserole.
- Serve the Pizza Tot Casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, the Pizza Tot Casserole offers a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and the beloved flavors of pizza, making it a surefire hit on your family’s dining table. Sharon Skildum from Maple Grove, Minnesota, shares an easy-to-make version that allows you to personalize the dish with your family’s favorite pizza toppings, creating a fun and customizable culinary experience.
This casserole captures the essence of a traditional “hot dish,” a Midwestern term for a casserole that typically includes meat, sauce, vegetables, and starch. The addition of Tater Tots adds a crispy and golden texture that elevates this dish to new heights of tastiness.
With a savory blend of ground beef, pizza sauce, and aromatic basil, the casserole creates a mouthwatering combination of flavors. The generous layer of mozzarella cheese melts to perfection, adding a rich and gooey element that pizza lovers will adore.
The Pizza Tot Casserole’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main dish or a delightful side, this casserole is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
So, dive into the world of comfort food with the Pizza Tot Casserole and relish the heartwarming flavors of this easy-to-make and customizable delight. Embrace the spirit of the Midwest and savor the joy of a delicious casserole that brings together the timeless appeal of pizza and the comforting touch of home-cooked meals.
