If you love the classic goodness of pizza and crave the crispy joy of tater tots, let me introduce you to the irresistible world of Pizza Tot Casserole! This comforting dish is a total crowd-pleaser: crispy golden tots layered over saucy, cheesy, meaty perfection, all topped with your favorite pizza fixings. Think bubbling, melty cheese meets everyone’s favorite potato snack, with plenty of options to make it your own. It’s pure comfort food, easy enough for busy weeknights and fun enough to steal the show at any potluck.

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on a handful of everyday ingredients that really bring all the comforting flavors together. Each adds its own special touch, whether it’s flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen tater tots (32 oz bag): The crispy, starchy base that gives this Pizza Tot Casserole its addictive crunch.
Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose your favorite for a savory, hearty foundation that soaks up all the pizza flavors.
Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that classic, aromatic punch that makes any pizza-inspired dish sing.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings together familiar herbs for a well-rounded, herby pizza vibe.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A subtle, peppery heat to balance the richness.
Pizza sauce (1 cup): The tangy, tomatoey heart of the casserole—feel free to use your favorite jarred or homemade version.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The go-to melting cheese for that gooey, pull-apart goodness.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a bit of sharpness and color for the ultimate cheesy combo.
Mini pepperoni slices (1/4 cup): Classic “pizza” flavor right in every bite, plus they look adorable on top.
Sliced black olives (2 tbsp, optional): For a salty-smooth finish—totally optional, but highly recommended if you’re an olive fan.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): The finishing touch for color and a burst of freshness.

How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, take a moment to grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. You want the tots to crisp up perfectly, and a little non-stick spray or butter does the trick.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef or Italian sausage plus the chopped onions. Let them cook together until the meat is browned and the onions are soft—usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Sauté in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for another minute, releasing all those delicious aromas. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy!

Step 3: Add the Pizza Sauce

Next up, stir the pizza sauce right into the meat. This step brings in all that classic pizza flavor and helps bind everything together. Once the sauce is thoroughly mixed in, remove the skillet from the heat—it’s ready to layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread the savory meat mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Now, top this with a single, snug layer of frozen tater tots. No need to thaw—the oven will crisp them up as they bake! Try to cover the meat completely for that signature tot topping.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Pop the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The tater tots should get gorgeously golden and crunchy. When you see them hitting peak crispiness, you’ll know it’s time for the next step.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Pizza Toppings

Carefully pull out the casserole and sprinkle on all the cheesy goodness: mozzarella, cheddar, mini pepperoni slices, and optional black olives. Put it back in the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is where Pizza Tot Casserole transforms into something absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, finish your creation with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Not only does it look swoon-worthy, but it brings a refreshing herbal note that balances all the rich flavors.

How to Serve Pizza Tot Casserole

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh basil or parsley just before serving gives an inviting pop of color and a fresh, bright taste to contrast the melty, hearty casserole. If you like, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for extra pizzazz. Freshly grated parmesan is always welcome, too!

Side Dishes

Pizza Tot Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make for a classic pizza-night duo. If you want to add a veggie side, try roasted broccoli or a platter of raw veggies with ranch for a family-friendly touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table for a cozy, family-style meal, or scoop it into shallow bowls for an ultra-comforting presentation. Hosting a party? Spoon it into individual ramekins so everyone gets their own mini casserole! For a fun twist, set up a “pizza bar” with bowls of extra toppings so guests can customize their own serving before the final cheese-melt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pizza Tot Casserole stores like a dream. Once cooled, cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunchboxes or a quick heat-and-eat meal.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the casserole into sturdy, freezer-safe containers, or wrap the whole (cooled) dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Pop individual servings in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or reheat the entire casserole, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes). For extra crispiness, uncover for the last few minutes so the tater tots regain their crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Tot Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based meat or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers in place of the meat. Just be sure to keep the seasoning punchy for classic pizza vibes.

Can this casserole be prepped ahead of time?

You can fully assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add 5 to 10 minutes to the initial bake to ensure it’s hot throughout.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No thawing needed—frozen tater tots go straight on top! This actually helps them crisp up nicely and keeps things effortless on busy nights.

What other toppings can I add?

Get creative! Add mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or even jalapeño slices. Anything you love on pizza can become a topping here.

Is Pizza Tot Casserole kid-friendly?

This dish is basically guaranteed to be a family hit. Kids love the crisp tater tots, gooey cheese, and fun pizza flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize for picky eaters!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pizza Tot Casserole enough—every time I make it, it disappears in record time and everyone raves about it. With endless ways to make it your own, it’s a guaranteed win for busy weeknights, game day treats, or any cozy gathering. Go ahead and give it a try; your table will thank you!

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pizza Tot Casserole combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of tater tots in a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup pizza sauce

Toppings:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
2 tablespoons sliced black olives (optional)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with onion until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
Prepare the base: Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish. Arrange tater tots on top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until tots are golden. Add cheeses, pepperoni, and olives. Bake for another 5–7 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.