Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups pizza sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz sliced pepperoni
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the diced onion in a skillet over medium high heat until translucent. Note: This removes the raw onion bite.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink; drain the excess fat. Note: Draining is key so the casserole isn't greasy.
  3. Stir in the pizza sauce, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Pour the meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat base.
  6. Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Note: This protects the cheese from burning too quickly.
  7. Line up the frozen tater tots in neat rows across the top. Note: Rows allow heat to circulate better than a random pile.
  8. Finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes until the tater tots are deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.