Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the pizza sauce and mix until everything is well combined. Let it simmer for another minute.

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle with the optional additional cheese.

Top with turkey pepperoni slices and a final sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the pepperoni.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.