### Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

#### Description
Indulge in this hearty Pizza Tot Casserole, a delightful blend of ground beef, pepperoni, and gooey cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!

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### Ingredients
– **1 pound** ground beef
– **1 small** onion, diced
– **2 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1 can (15 oz)** pizza sauce
– **1 teaspoon** Italian seasoning
– **1 teaspoon** salt
– **1/2 teaspoon** black pepper
– **1 cup** sliced pepperoni
– **2 cups** shredded mozzarella cheese
– **1 bag (32 oz)** frozen tater tots
– **1/2 cup** grated Parmesan cheese
– **Fresh basil or parsley** for garnish (optional)

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### Instructions

#### Preparing the Meat Mixture
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.

#### Assembling the Casserole
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large casserole dish (about 9×13 inches), spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom.
3. Layer the sliced pepperoni over the meat mixture.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.

#### Final Touches
1. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
2. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

#### Baking the Casserole
1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.
4. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

#### Serving the Casserole
1. Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. Enjoy with family and friends!

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### Storage Tips
– Let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
– Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
– This casserole freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

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### Prep Time
15 minutes

### Cook Time
50 minutes

### Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes

### Yield
8 servings