Tater Tot Pizza Casserole (Lower Fat)
This delightful Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a healthier twist on a family favorite, originally inspired by a magazine recipe found at the supermarket checkout. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this lower-fat version will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Each serving packs a punch with only 8 Weight Watchers points, significantly reduced from the original version that contained 490 calories and 30 grams of fat. This dish is not only enjoyable for adults but also a hit with kids, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tater Tot Pizza Casserole |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Description | A lower-fat version of a family favorite casserole. Each serving contains only 376.4 calories. |
| Category | Meat |
| Keywords | Oven, < 4 Hours |
| Servings | 6 |
| Aggregated Rating | 5 stars |
| Review Count | 1 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 376.4 |
| Total Fat | 21.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 62.7 mg |
| Sodium | 775.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24.3 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Protein | 21.8 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1/2 lb |
| Onion | 1/2 (chopped) |
| Dried basil | 1/4 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Green pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Part-skim mozzarella cheese | 8 oz (shredded) |
| Pizza sauce | 12 oz |
| Nonstick cooking spray | As needed |
| Tater tots | 1 bag (approximately 24 oz) |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before you place your casserole inside.
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Prepare the Casserole Dish: Generously spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. You can use any size of dish, but be prepared to adjust the cooking time based on the dimensions.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion, dried basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Cook this mixture until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
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Drain the Meat Mixture: Once the beef is cooked, drain the excess fat to reduce the overall fat content of the dish. This step is crucial for maintaining the lower-fat aspect of this recipe.
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Add the Soup: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the pizza sauce. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
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Assemble the Casserole: Carefully spoon the beef and soup mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the meat mixture to ensure every bite is flavorful.
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Layer the Toppings: Arrange the sliced green peppers and pepperoni on top of the pizza sauce. Sprinkle the shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese over the toppings for a delicious cheesy layer.
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Add the Tater Tots: Finally, arrange the frozen tater tots over the entire casserole, covering the mixture completely. This will create a crunchy top layer that complements the softness of the filling.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Final Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the casserole and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This will allow the tater tots to crisp up and become golden brown while the cheese melts beautifully.
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Serve: Once the casserole is heated through and the tater tots are golden, remove it from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle. Scoop generous portions onto plates, and enjoy this delightful, comforting dish with your loved ones.
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole not only stands out as a hearty and satisfying meal but also aligns with a healthier lifestyle, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. It is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied and happy. Enjoy the flavors and the joy of sharing this dish with those who matter most.
