Cheesy & Delicious Pizza Tot Casserole – A Fun Family Favorite!

If you love the flavors of pizza and the crispy goodness of tater tots, then this Pizza Tot Casserole is the perfect meal for you! It’s a quick, cheesy, and family-friendly dish that brings together crispy tots, savory pizza sauce, melted cheese, and delicious toppings in a comforting casserole. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Save

Ingredients for Pizza Tot Casserole

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano for garnish

Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup cooked crumbled sausage
• ¼ cup sliced jalapeños for spice
• ½ cup diced tomatoes for freshness

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Meat Mixture

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Drain excess fat and mix in pizza sauce. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Arrange frozen tater tots on top in a single layer.
3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the tots.
4. Add black olives, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and any additional toppings.

4. Bake the Casserole

• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are golden brown.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with dried oregano and serve warm.

Save

Expert Tips for the Perfect Pizza Tot Casserole

• Crispier tots? Pre-bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before assembling.
• More flavor? Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra cheesiness.
• Spice it up! Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the meat – Extra grease can make the casserole soggy.
• Overcrowding the toppings – Too many toppings can make it hard to cook evenly.
• Skipping the preheating step – Ensures even baking and crispy tots.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.
• Low-carb alternative: Swap tater tots for roasted cauliflower.
• Extra cheesy: Add a layer of cream cheese for a richer texture.

What to Serve with Pizza Tot Casserole

• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
• Caesar or garden salad for a fresh side.
• Roasted vegetables for a nutritious addition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Yes! Dice fresh potatoes, toss them in olive oil, and bake until crispy before using.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This Pizza Tot Casserole is a fun, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal that combines all the best pizza flavors with crispy, cheesy tater tots. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a party, it’s sure to be a hit! Try it today and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

---

Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 6

Print