Name: Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen tater tots; 1 lb ground beef or sausage; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1 cup diced onions; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for topping, optional); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you love combining the comforting crunch of tater tots with the zesty, cheesy goodness of pizza, you’re in for a real treat with this Tater Tot Pizza Casserole. It’s a mouthwatering, layered dish that brings together crispy golden tots, savory seasoned meat, vibrant veggies, and melty mozzarella in one irresistible casserole. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a satisfying meal that everyone will want seconds of.

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward ingredients ensures each bite of your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole bursts with flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a key role in making this dish both hearty and delicious.

32 oz frozen tater tots: Provides that iconic crispy, golden layer that adds both texture and flavor.
1 lb ground beef or sausage: Adds savory richness and protein to the casserole base.
1 cup pizza sauce: Infuses the layers with tangy tomato goodness and classic pizza flavor.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that gooey, cheesy top and layers throughout.
1 cup diced bell peppers: Brings a fresh, sweet crunch and vibrant color.
1 cup diced onions: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth to the meat mixture.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties together the pizza-inspired flavors beautifully.

How to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. This step ensures your casserole bakes evenly and the tots crisp up without sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Veggies

In a heated skillet over medium heat, brown your choice of ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy, then stir in diced bell peppers and onions. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, blending their sweetness with the savory meat.

Step 3: Combine Meat with Sauce and Seasoning

Transfer the cooked meat and vegetables to a large bowl, then add the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the sauce evenly coats the mixture, setting the foundation for that classic pizza flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Layer Your Casserole

Spread half of the frozen tater tots in the prepared baking dish, creating a crispy base. Next, layer the meat mixture evenly on top, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. These layers ensure the casserole is packed with flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Add Final Tater Tot Layer and Sauce

Place the remaining tater tots over the meat and cheese layer. If you love extra saucy casserole, drizzle a bit more pizza sauce over the top to keep things moist and flavorful as it bakes.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the tater tots are perfectly crisp and golden brown.

How to Serve Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich, cheesy layers. You can also scatter some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a little grated Parmesan for an extra boost of umami.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty casserole with a bright green salad or steamed veggies to lighten the meal and add freshness. A crisp Caesar salad or roasted broccoli work wonderfully alongside the cheesy indulgence of the Tater Tot Pizza Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try making individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins—perfect for serving at parties or family dinners. You can also layer this casserole in a clear glass baking dish to show off the vibrant colors and layers, making it almost too pretty to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole, store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture crispy once reheated.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble it in your dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and crispy on top. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the delicious crispy texture of the tater tots.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef or sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and makes the casserole a bit lighter while still keeping all the wonderful flavors intact.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I add other pizza toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in black olives, sliced pepperoni, or even jalapeños to customize your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole to your taste buds.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can blend it with cheddar or provolone for added flavor complexity.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Spraying a little cooking spray on top of the frozen tater tots before baking helps them brown nicely and stay crispier for longer.

Final Thoughts

The Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is one of those magical recipes that feels like a celebration on a plate but comes together so easily, making weeknight dinners a joy. Its layers of crispy tots, savory meat, fresh veggies, and bubbling cheese are guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. Once you try this, it’s going to become a beloved staple that you’ll happily return to again and again.

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a savory, comforting dish that combines crispy tater tots with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic pizza in a fun and hearty casserole form, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

32 oz frozen tater tots

Meat Mixture

1 lb ground beef or sausage
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced onions
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for topping, optional)

Cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Cook the meat and vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage thoroughly. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced bell peppers and onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Combine with sauce and seasoning: Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning until everything is evenly mixed.
Assemble the casserole – first layer: Place half of the frozen tater tots in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, spread the meat mixture evenly over the tater tots. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meat.
Assemble the casserole – second layer: Add the remaining tater tots in a layer over the cheese. Optionally, drizzle additional pizza sauce over the top layer of tater tots for extra moisture and flavor.
Add the final cheese layer and bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the tater tots are crispy.
Serve and enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and flavorful Tater Tot Pizza Casserole.

Notes

Use either ground beef or sausage based on preference; spicy Italian sausage can add a nice kick.
Feel free to add other pizza toppings such as sliced olives, mushrooms, or pepperoni.
For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American