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Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This dish brings together classic pizza flavors and tater tot comfort in a simple, oven-baked preparation. Savory ground meat blends with aromatic onion and garlic, all simmered in rich pizza sauce. Shredded mozzarella adds creamy texture before a layer of crispy tater tots is arranged on top. Pepperoni and your choice of veggie toppings crown the casserole, while a quick stint in a hot oven crisps the tots and melts everything together. It’s a satisfying, family-friendly meal that pairs perfectly with a salad or garlic bread for easy weeknight enjoyment.

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Casey
Updated on Sun, 06 Jul 2025 13:35:33 GMT
A pan of food with a lot of cheese and tater tots. Pin it
A pan of food with a lot of cheese and tater tots. | cookingwithcasey.com

This cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole brings together the best parts of pizza night and the comfort of a hot bake. Layers of saucy beef or sausage, gooey cheese, and golden tater tots combine for a dinner even picky eaters cheer for. I started making this when my kids begged for pizza on a chilly weeknight and I was short on dough — it quickly became a family favorite.

The first time I served this at a family movie night it was gone in minutes and now everyone asks for it whenever we get together

Ingredients

  • Ground beef or Italian sausage: brings savory depth and can be adjusted to your taste I like using a half and half blend for extra flavor
  • Small onion diced: adds subtle sweetness and an aromatic foundation Look for firm onions with bright skin
  • Garlic minced: gives a warm punch and rounds out the sauce Freshly minced cloves are best for strong flavor
  • Pizza sauce or marinara: makes it saucy and delivers classic pizza flavor Choose a thick sauce with plenty of herbs
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and is stretchy Look for whole milk mozzarella if you can
  • Shredded cheddar optional: adds sharpness and a little color Use a good quality cheddar for best melt
  • Frozen tater tots: provide crunchy texture and make this dish fun Choose a brand with golden crispy results
  • Sliced pepperoni: delivers that pizza shop savoriness Go for a pepperoni free of fillers for best taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced black olives green peppers mushrooms jalapeños or cooked bacon let you personalize your casserole
  • Salt and pepper: for simple seasoning Adjust to taste so the flavors really pop
  • Cooking spray or a little oil: keeps everything from sticking and ensures easy cleanup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Get your oven hot at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit so everything bakes up crisp and bubbly Set out a nine by thirteen inch dish and grease it lightly
Cook the Meat Layer:
Place a large skillet over medium heat Add chopped beef or sausage with diced onion Stir steadily breaking up the pieces and cook until everything is browned and the onions soften Pour off any extra fat so the dish will not get greasy
Build in Garlic and Sauce:
Add the minced garlic directly to the pan stirring constantly for about half a minute This wakes up its flavor Next pour in the pizza sauce Mix everything together Taste for seasoning and add salt or pepper Simmer this combo for two to three minutes so the flavors come together
Assemble in the Dish:
Spread the hot meat sauce evenly in your prepared pan Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the entire surface for maximum melt Layer frozen tater tots over the cheese so each bite gets a crisp tot
Top with Pepperoni and Extras:
Add pepperoni slices over the tater tots and if using scatter on black olives green peppers mushrooms jalapeños or a handful of crisp bacon bits
Bake to Perfection:
Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for thirty to thirty five minutes Watch for bubbling cheese and deep golden tots For more melted cheese sprinkle some on top in the last five minutes and let it finish melting
Serve with a Smile:
Let the casserole settle a few minutes before slicing It will be easier to lift out The combo is excellent with salad or garlic bread
A close up of a pizza with pepperoni and cheese. Pin it
A close up of a pizza with pepperoni and cheese. | cookingwithcasey.com

Every time I open the oven to that bubbling golden crust my favorite part is the toasty mozzarella around the edges It reminds me of fighting for the cheesiest corner with my sister growing up

Storage Tips

Once cooled store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain crispness on the tots Freezing is easy just cut into portions and wrap tightly before freezing for up to two months then reheat directly from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out ground chicken or turkey for a lighter dish Veggie crumbles work well for a meatless version If mozzarella is not your thing try Monterey jack or even provolone Mix up the toppings with whatever you love from your favorite pizza joint

Serving Suggestions

A bright green salad adds freshness to this casserole and helps balance the richness Kids love dipping into extra pizza sauce or ranch on the side Warm focaccia or garlic bread turns it into a full comfort meal For a fun twist make individual ramekin bakes at parties

Cultural and Historical Context

This dish borrows the spirit of Midwest tater tot casseroles but punches it up with all the toppings you crave from classic American pizza Tater tots themselves debuted in the mid-1950s and have since been beloved for their crunch This recipe brings together nostalgia and weeknight practicality in every bite

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different protein for the base?

Absolutely. Try ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian substitute for a lighter or meatless option.

→ What types of cheese work well here?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of cheddar can bring extra flavor and melt.

→ How do I keep tater tots crispy on top?

Arrange them in a single even layer and bake uncovered until golden and crunchy. No covering needed.

→ Which toppings can I add besides pepperoni?

Try black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, or crisp bacon for new tastes and textures.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes! Warm leftovers in an oven or toaster oven to revive the crispy top and keep the cheese melty.

Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Hearty dish with savory meat, zesty sauce, gooey cheese, and golden tater tots, finished with pepperoni.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (One large casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 450 g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
02 1 small onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 375 ml pizza sauce or marinara
05 170 g shredded mozzarella cheese
06 60 g shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
07 800–900 g frozen tater tots
08 60 g sliced pepperoni

→ Optional Toppings

09 Sliced black olives
10 Diced green peppers
11 Sliced mushrooms
12 Sliced jalapeños
13 Cooked bacon

→ Seasoning and Preparation

14 Salt, to taste
15 Black pepper, to taste
16 Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a 33x23 cm baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onion until the meat is browned throughout. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 03

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add pizza sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 04

Distribute the meat and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and, if using, cheddar cheese.

Step 05

Place frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. Scatter sliced pepperoni and any desired optional toppings over the tater tots.

Step 06

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crisp and golden brown.

Step 07

In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle additional cheese over the top if desired. Allow to melt fully before removing from the oven.

Step 08

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread if desired.

Notes

  1. For a crisper finish, arrange tater tots with minimal overlap and avoid overcrowding the baking dish.
  2. Customize with your favorite pizza-inspired toppings or sauces to suit personal tastes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 33x23 cm (9x13 in) baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and dairy products (cheese).
  • Contains gluten if using traditional tater tots or certain pizza sauces.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 560
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 27 g