Puffy Pizza Casserole
Puffy Pizza Casserole is a delicious and fun twist on traditional pizza. It combines all your favorite pizza toppings with a cozy, casserole format. With layers of meat, cheese, and crispy tater tots, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Puffy Pizza Casserole because it is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. It takes only about 30 minutes to bake and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover pizza toppings you might have lying around. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy, gooey casserole?
How to Make Puffy Pizza Casserole
Making Puffy Pizza Casserole is easy and fun! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of frozen tater tots (or similar)
- Optional: sliced pepperoni or other pizza toppings
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased casserole dish, spread half of the tater tots, followed by half of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tater tots, meat mixture, and cheeses.
- Add optional toppings if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Puffy Pizza Casserole
Serve Puffy Pizza Casserole hot from the oven. Cut it into squares and enjoy it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also let guests add their favorite toppings on top for extra fun!
How to Store Puffy Pizza Casserole
If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.
Tips to Make Puffy Pizza Casserole
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped mushrooms, olives, or spinach to the meat mixture.
- You can swap the tater tots for other frozen potato products like French fries or hash browns.
- Make sure to season your meat well; it adds depth to the overall dish.
Variation
You can customize your Puffy Pizza Casserole to match your taste. Try using different meats like pepperoni, ham, or turkey. Vegetarians can substitute the meat with black beans or more veggies.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pizza sauce instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade pizza sauce is a great option and adds a personal touch to the dish.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for tater tots?
Yes, many brands offer gluten-free tater tots. Just check the label to be sure.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Cover it well and keep it in the fridge, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
Puffy Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Meat mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Cheeses
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tater tots and optional toppings
- 1 package frozen tater tots (or similar)
- to taste sliced pepperoni or other pizza toppings Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Layering and Baking
- In a greased casserole dish, spread half of the tater tots, followed by half of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tater tots, meat mixture, and cheeses.
- Add optional toppings if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
