Tater Tot Pizza Casserole (Print Version)
A bubbly pizza-style casserole with seasoned ground turkey, mozzarella, pepperoni, and a crisp layer of golden tater tots.
# Ingredients:
For the meat layer
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
03 -
1 small yellow onion, diced
04 -
1/2 cup (75 g) diced green bell pepper
05 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
10 -
1 cup (240 g) pizza sauce, divided
For the topping
11 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
12 -
2 oz (55 g) turkey pepperoni slices
13 -
16 oz (455 g) frozen tater tots
14 -
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, optional
15 -
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coat of oil.
02 -
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 7-9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the turkey is fully cooked and the vegetables are soft.
03 -
Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup pizza sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until creamy and thick.
04 -
Spread the turkey mixture in the baking dish. Spoon the remaining 1/2 cup pizza sauce over it, then top with mozzarella and pepperoni.
05 -
Arrange the frozen tater tots in one even layer over the cheese. Sprinkle with parmesan if using.
06 -
Bake uncovered for 28-32 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the tots are golden and crisp. Rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley or basil if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Use frozen tater tots straight from the bag for the crispest topping.
02 -
If assembled cold, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time and check that the center reaches 165°F.
03 -
Extra pizza sauce on the side makes a good dip for the crispy edges.