01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
03 -
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
04 -
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the mixture.
05 -
Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tater tots.
06 -
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
If desired, add optional toppings such as pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until toppings are heated through.
08 -
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy.