Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It combines the crispy, golden crunch of tater tots with the cheesy, saucy flavors of classic pizza. This dish is fun to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd on a weeknight or game day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this casserole brings together two favorites in one easy dish. It’s hearty, satisfying, and loaded with gooey cheese, savory meat, and customizable toppings. It feels indulgent but is also a great way to use ingredients I already have in the fridge. Plus, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen tater tots
- Ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced pepperoni
- Diced bell peppers (optional)
- Sliced black olives (optional)
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- I spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer in the dish and bake them for 15 minutes to crisp up a bit.
- While the tots bake, I brown the sausage or beef in a skillet, then drain the fat. I stir in pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- I remove the tots from the oven, spread the meat mixture evenly on top, then sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over everything.
- I layer on the pepperoni and any other toppings I like.
- I return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispier top, I broil the casserole for 2 minutes at the end.
- I garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and bake time is 35 to 40 minutes total.
Variations
- I use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- I add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach for extra veggies.
- I try different cheeses like provolone or gouda for new flavor combos.
- I drizzle hot honey or ranch over the top for a finishing touch.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until hot. If needed, I cover it with foil to prevent over-browning.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble it up to a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. I just add a few extra minutes of baking time.
Can I freeze it?
I freeze the fully baked casserole, then thaw overnight and reheat in the oven. It holds up surprisingly well.
Can I use different meat or make it meatless?
Absolutely. I switch up the protein or skip it entirely and load up on veggies for a meatless version.
What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
Marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce works just fine.
Will the tater tots get soggy?
If I bake them a bit before adding the toppings, they stay crispier. A quick broil at the end also helps.
Conclusion
Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is my go-to when I want something fun, filling, and ridiculously satisfying. With endless topping options and simple prep, it’s the kind of recipe I come back to over and over for family dinners, potlucks, or any cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole combines crispy golden tater tots with savory pizza toppings in one irresistible, cheesy bake. With seasoned meat, melty mozzarella, and a rich pizza sauce base, this family-friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, customizable comfort food classic.
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1½ cups pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 20–30 slices pepperoni
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread frozen tater tots in an even layer in the dish. Bake for 15 minutes to crisp slightly.
- While tots are baking, brown sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain grease. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Remove dish from oven. Spread meat mixture over the tater tots. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Add pepperoni and any additional toppings (bell peppers, olives, etc.).
- Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- (Optional) Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra golden cheese.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap sausage for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use any favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños.
- Try different cheeses like gouda, provolone, or a Mexican blend.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and load up on veggies.
