Imagine all the best parts of pizza and tater tots coming together in one unbelievably fun, family-friendly bake—say hello to Pizza Tot Casserole, your new weeknight hero! Cheesy, savory, and loaded with your favorite pizza flavors, this dish is pure comfort food with a playful twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, wowing picky eaters, or just looking for a little nostalgia in casserole form, Pizza Tot Casserole is the kind of crave-worthy dinner that disappears fast every single time I serve it.

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe leans on simple ingredients, each chosen to deliver a punch of classic pizza flavor and cozy texture. Assembling the dish is a breeze—you’ll just layer, bake, and let your oven work its magic while the kitchen fills with irresistible aromas!

Frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag): These form a delightfully crispy topping and hold up beautifully to all the cheesy, saucy goodness underneath.
Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): Go with your favorite for richness and hearty flavor—either one is delicious.
Small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, subtle background and aromatic depth to the casserole.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): A must for an authentic pizza taste—don’t skip!
Pizza sauce (15-ounce can): It brings all the tomatoey, herby notes that instantly transport your tastebuds straight to pizza night.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): For that spot-on blend of oregano, basil, and savory warmth.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Bumps up the flavor and gives a subtle extra kick.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Melty, stretchy perfection—layered twice for ultimate cheesiness.
Mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni (½ cup): Gives those classic pops of spicy, salty magic just like your favorite pizzeria.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): For a bold, nutty finish that pairs perfectly with all the melty cheese.
Olive oil spray, for topping: Just a quick mist helps those tots bake up irresistibly golden and crisp.

How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it sizzles. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for the best casserole texture. This is the savory base that’s going to make your Pizza Tot Casserole absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, then let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until softened and aromatic. The kitchen will start to smell a lot like your favorite neighborhood pizza parlor at this point!

Step 3: Stir in Sauce & Spices

Now, pour in the pizza sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so those flavors really come together and your filling tastes truly pizza-inspired.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the savory meat mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat for that irresistible molten layer, then get ready for the fun part—tater tots!

Step 5: Arrange the Tater Tots

Line the tater tots up in a single, even layer across the top of the cheese. Give them a quick spray with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. These tots will bake up crispy on top while soaking up all that saucy flavor underneath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into your hot oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until those tots are golden brown and perfectly crunchy. Your Pizza Tot Casserole will be bubbling and already smelling amazing at this point!

Step 7: Add Final Toppings

Take the casserole out and sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella cheese, your pepperoni, and the Parmesan. Pop the dish back into the oven for another 5–7 minutes, just until everything is melted, bubbly, and utterly tempting.

How to Serve Pizza Tot Casserole

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your Pizza Tot Casserole with fresh chopped parsley or basil. A few red pepper flakes or a dash of Italian seasoning on top adds a pretty pop of color—and a hint of extra flavor for anyone who likes a little kick!

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with a simple green salad tossed in Italian dressing to balance the rich, savory flavors. Garlic breadsticks or roasted veggies work beautifully, too, making this meal feel like a deluxe pizza dinner—only heartier and homier.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon portions into individual bowls for a game-night snack, or serve straight from the baking dish family-style at the table. You can even set out a toppings bar with extras—think olives, peppers, or banana peppers—so everyone can customize their slice of Pizza Tot Casserole just the way they love it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Pizza Tot Casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and makes an excellent next-day lunch or dinner!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let your casserole cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in foil or portion it into freezer-friendly containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Pizza Tot Casserole in the oven or air fryer so the tots stay crisp and the cheese gets bubbly again. Individual servings can also be microwaved, though the texture may be softer—still tasty, but not quite as crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives you that classic gooey pizza stretch, feel free to mix in cheddar, provolone, or even a little Monterey Jack for flavor variety. Just make sure you keep a good melting cheese in the mix for best results.

Is there a way to make Pizza Tot Casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. You’ll still get all the pizza flavors without the meat—plus extra veggies, which is always a bonus!

Can I prepare Pizza Tot Casserole ahead of time?

You can easily assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate it for up to a day in advance. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy schedules!

What are some fun topping ideas?

The sky’s the limit! Think classic pizza toppings like mushrooms, green bell peppers, sliced black olives, jalapeños, or even cooked sausage crumbles. Let everyone in the family add their must-haves before the final bake for a truly custom Pizza Tot Casserole.

How do I make this recipe a little spicy?

If you like some heat, swap in hot Italian sausage or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. You could even add sliced banana peppers or jalapeños with the pepperoni for that perfect zesty bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished pizza night could be even more fun and filling, Pizza Tot Casserole is the answer. This is one of those clever recipes that brings everyone to the table smiling—and keeps them coming back for seconds. Give it a try; you just might find a new family favorite!

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of pizza in a comforting casserole form with this delicious Pizza Tot Casserole. It’s a family-friendly meal that combines crispy tater tots, savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tot Layer:

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Cheese and Toppings:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil spray for topping

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook Meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Prepare Sauce: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Layer Casserole: Spread meat mixture in a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Arrange tater tots over the top.
Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until tots are crispy. Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted.
Serve: Serve hot with a side salad.

Notes

Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American