Creating the Pizza Tot Casserole is simple! Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.

3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, around 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Seasoning: Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

5. Mix in Pizza Sauce: Pour in the pizza sauce and mix well until combined with the meat and vegetables.

6. Layer Ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer half of the pepperoni slices and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

7. Add Tater Tots: Carefully arrange a layer of frozen tater tots over the cheese. It’s okay if some overlap!

8. Top with Remaining Ingredients: Repeat the layering process with the remaining meat mixture, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.

9. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

10. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve piping hot.