If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comfort food with a fun twist, this Pizza Tot Casserole is the perfect choice. Imagine all your favorite pizza flavors—gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and savory toppings—baked with crispy tater tots for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole brings the best of two comfort foods—pizza and tater tots—into one irresistible dish. It’s quick to assemble, customizable with your favorite pizza toppings, and a guaranteed family favorite. Plus, it’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:
- Frozen tater tots
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Italian seasoning
The full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.
Directions
Prepping the Base
Preheat your oven and grease a casserole dish. Spread a layer of frozen tater tots across the bottom of the dish, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Adding the Sauce
Pour pizza sauce over the tater tots, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Make sure each tot gets a bit of sauce love!
Layering the Toppings
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add pepperoni slices, or your favorite pizza toppings, like cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
Baking the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven until the tater tots are crispy, the cheese is melted, and the toppings are golden. This usually takes about 25–30 minutes.
Garnishing
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with Italian seasoning and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of flavor and color.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use seasoned tater tots for extra flavor.
- Pre-cook any raw toppings like sausage or veggies to ensure they’re fully cooked in the casserole.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to make slicing and serving easier.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap mozzarella for a cheese blend like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and loading up on veggies like olives, spinach, and onions.
- Add a spicy kick with crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. For dipping, serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter on the side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tater tots soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. What toppings work best?
Anything you love on pizza! Try cooked bacon, pineapple, or even barbecue chicken for fun variations.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tater tots and check that your pizza sauce and toppings are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
This Pizza Tot Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. It’s packed with flavor, endlessly customizable, and perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
Get ready to dig into a dish that combines all your comfort food favorites into one cheesy, crispy masterpiece!
Print
Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole: A Fun and Flavorful Family Favorite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty casserole combines the beloved flavors of pizza with crispy tater tots, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Layered with savory meats, vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a family favorite that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped bacon until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the meat and sauce mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tater tots, followed by the sliced pepperoni.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding sliced mushrooms or black olives to the meat mixture.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg