If you love comfort food and crave something cheesy, crispy, and full of pizza flavor—this Pizza Tot Casserole is your new best friend. It’s like a cross between a loaded pizza and crispy tater tot bake, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. I love making this when I want something fun and satisfying with minimal effort. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and kid-approved too!
Ingredients
- Frozen tater tots (1 bag, about 28-32 oz): The base of the casserole—crispy on top and soft inside. Bake them first for the best texture!
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty, savory flavor. You can sub with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Pepperoni slices (½ cup): Classic pizza topping that gets nice and crispy in the oven.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): Brings that iconic pizza taste. Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade version.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melty and stretchy—everything you want in a pizza-style casserole.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds those classic pizza herb flavors in every bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the savory flavor of the meat mixture.
- Chopped bell peppers (½ cup): Optional, but adds a pop of color and sweetness.
- Sliced black olives (¼ cup): For that classic pizza shop vibe—skip them if you’re not a fan.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): A quick sprinkle to balance the flavors.
💡 Quick tip: Want to save time? Cook the beef and prep your toppings while the tater tots bake.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Pre-bake the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until they start to crisp up. This gives the casserole a nice texture and prevents sogginess.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer the cooked tater tots on the bottom. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly over them. Sprinkle chopped peppers and olives if using.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni
Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the beef, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it hot and enjoy that pizza-meets-tater-tot goodness!
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet (for pre-crisping tots)
- Cheese grater (if using a block of cheese)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely. Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even crumbled veggie sausage work great in place of beef.
What type of cheese can I use besides mozzarella?
Cheddar, provolone, or a pizza cheese blend are all tasty alternatives. For extra richness, try mixing in a little cream cheese or ricotta.
Do I need to cook the tater tots first?
Yes—at least partially. Pre-baking helps them stay crispy even after adding the sauce and cheese.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble everything (except baking), cover it, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! Bake it, cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely—just skip the meat or sub it with a plant-based option, and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
What sides go well with this?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli make the perfect companions to balance this hearty dish.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited about this Pizza Tot Casserole as I am—it’s fun, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile (and come back for seconds). If you loved it, be sure to share this recipe with friends on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest so you can make it again later. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite! 🍕🧀
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Pizza Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
Description
If you love pizza and comforting dishes, this Pizza Tot Casserole is going to become your new favorite dish! Imagine a savory base of seasoned meat, coated in a richly fragrant tomato sauce, melty cheese and crispy tater tots (those little bites of irresistible potatoes). It’s an ultra-simple dish to prepare, perfect for a family or friends dinner.
Ingredients
500 g minced meat (beef or turkey) – The protein base of the dish, seasoned with spices for a rich taste.
1 medium onion, chopped – Contributes sweetness and fragrance to the meat.
2 drops of garlic, minced – Boosts the flavors and gives a Mediterranean touch.
1 box (400 g) of tomato sauce – The sauce that will bind all the ingredients and give this authentic pizza taste.
1 tablespoon dried oregano – For an even closer pizza taste.
150g pepperoni (optional) – For a spicy touch and even more flavor.
250g shredded mozzarella – Because cheeseless pizza, that’s not a real pizza!
500 g of tater tots (riced potato wedges) – The magic ingredient that makes this dish irresistible.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1 : Prepare the meat base
Preheat your oven to 200°C. In a frying pan, sauté the onion in a little olive oil. Add onion and let skin cook for 1 minute. Incorporate the minced meat, season with salt, pepper and oregano, then cook until nicely browned.
Step 2 : Add the tomato sauce.
Pour the tomato sauce over the cooked meat and let it simmer over a gentle heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.
Step 3 : Assemble the skillet.
In a grating dish, spread the meat base preparation in an even layer. Add some of the shredded cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4 : Add the tater tots
Scatter the taters all over the surface of the dish. You can line them up nicely for an even more appetizing effect.
Step 5 : Pillow
Bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is nicely melted and golden.
Step 6 : Taste
Let rest a few minutes before serving. Add a touch of fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated parmesan for even more gourmand.
Notes
This Pizza Tot Casserole is an explosion of flavors that will please kids as well as adults! With its crunchy, cheesy and gourmand side, it’s perfect for a convivial dinner. If you liked this recipe, please share it on Facebook or pin it to Pinterest to find later. Good appetite ! 😋
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
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