Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of classic pizza with the crispy goodness of tater tots. This easy-to-make casserole features a savory layer of ground beef and pizza sauce, topped with gooey cheese, pepperoni, and a golden crust of tater tots. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Minimal prep with simple ingredients.
• Kid-friendly: Combines two favorites—pizza and tater tots!
• Perfect for weeknights: A hearty meal that’s ready in under an hour.
• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
• Great for leftovers: Reheats well for next-day meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Sliced black olives
• Diced green peppers
• Mushrooms
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Directions

this recipe

Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

4. Layer the Casserole: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture. Arrange pepperoni slices on top (reserve some for the top layer).
6. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the casserole.
7. Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (if using) over the tater tots. Add the remaining pepperoni slices.

Bake the Casserole

8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve

10. Garnish and Enjoy: Top with fresh herbs and your favorite pizza toppings. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and add more veggies.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• BBQ Chicken Twist: Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce, use cooked shredded chicken, and top with cheddar cheese.
• Supreme Pizza Style: Add mushrooms, green peppers, and black olives.
• Hawaiian Style: Add diced ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are great substitutes for ground beef.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure the pizza sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free, and use gluten-free tater tots if needed.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use ground turkey or chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and add more vegetables for a lighter version.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend cheese for extra flavor.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought pizza sauce works equally well.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Bake uncovered and avoid overcrowding the tater tots to allow airflow for crispiness.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.

What should I serve with Tater Tot Pizza Casserole?

Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a simple veggie side for a complete meal.

Can I use mini tater tots or potato rounds?

Yes, mini tater tots or potato rounds can be used; just ensure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a fun and tasty twist on traditional pizza and casserole dishes. This comforting recipe combines the savory flavors of pizza with the crispy, golden crunch of tater tots, creating a dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you enjoy it for dinner, at a potluck, or as a game-day dish, this easy casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Try this recipe and indulge in the perfect blend of pizza and potato goodness!

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