Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a comforting and family-friendly dish that combines the crispy goodness of tater tots with all the flavors of your favorite pizza. This casserole is a breeze to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, pizza sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two favorite comfort foods: pizza and tater tots.
• Quick and easy to assemble with simple ingredients.
• Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
• Bakes up golden and bubbly, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Pepperoni slices (or other pizza toppings)
• Frozen tater tots
• Seasonings like Italian herbs, salt, and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian herbs. Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
4. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat.
6. Add a layer of pepperoni slices or your favorite pizza toppings.
7. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, covering the surface completely.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers instead of beef.
• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Low-Carb: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower tots for a lower-carb option.
• Extra Saucy: Add an extra layer of pizza sauce between the meat and cheese layers.

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 place the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What kind of pizza sauce should I use?

You can use store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. Choose a flavor that matches your preference—classic, garlic, or even spicy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Tater Tot Pizza Casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What other toppings can I add?

You can use cooked sausage, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?

Bake the tater tots separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole for an extra crispy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure your pizza sauce and tater tots are labeled gluten-free if necessary.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can also use a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can add diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat layer for added nutrition.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

You can slice and roast fresh potatoes as a substitute, but it will change the texture slightly.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for pizza night or any time you crave comfort food. With its endless customization options and crowd-pleasing flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness with your loved ones!

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