Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

This irresistible Tater Tot Pizza Casserole combines the best of two comfort food favorites – crispy tater tots and zesty pizza – into one deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two family favorites: pizza and tater tots!
• Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients
• Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
• Kid-friendly while still appealing to adults
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Perfect comfort food for busy weeknights
• Requires minimal cooking skills
• One-dish meal with protein, vegetables, and starch

Ingredients

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

Ground beef provides the hearty protein foundation for this casserole. It browns up beautifully and soaks up all the Italian flavors. Feel free to substitute with Italian sausage for an extra flavor boost, or use ground turkey for a lighter option.

Onion and garlic create the aromatic base that enhances the savory quality of the dish. They add depth and complexity to the meat layer. If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute with onion and garlic powder.

Pizza sauce brings that classic pizza flavor that ties everything together. It’s pre-seasoned which makes this recipe even easier, but you can use marinara sauce in a pinch.

Italian seasoning infuses the dish with that quintessential pizza parlor flavor profile. This herb blend typically contains basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Mozzarella cheese creates that stretchy, gooey texture we all love in pizza dishes. It’s mild flavor works perfectly here, but feel free to mix in some cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor complexity.

Pepperoni adds that authentic pizza taste with its slightly spicy, savory bite. It also releases flavorful oils as it bakes, infusing the entire dish with its distinctive flavor.

Tater tots are the star of the show, creating a crispy, golden crown for this casserole. They remain crunchy on top while the bottoms absorb some of the savory sauce beneath.

Additional pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or jalapeños let you customize the casserole to your preferences, just like you would a pizza.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or oil.
2. Cook the ground beef or sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Pour in the pizza sauce, add Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Add pepperoni and optional toppings. Layer frozen tater tots on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family meal with potential leftovers. Preparation takes only 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 40 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.

Variations

Breakfast Pizza Casserole: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, add scrambled eggs to the meat layer, and top with cheddar cheese.

Buffalo Chicken Version: Substitute shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce for the ground beef mixture, and use ranch dressing drizzled on top after baking.

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian, substitute salsa for pizza sauce, and top with Mexican cheese blend. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely and double up on vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach sautéed with the onions and garlic.

BBQ Lovers: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, add pulled chicken instead of ground beef, and top with red onions and gouda cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze the entire casserole (baked or unbaked) or portion it into individual servings for easy meals later. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating from refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the tater tots won’t be as crispy.

Reheating from frozen: If frozen unbaked, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 45-50 minutes until hot and bubbly. If frozen after baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the tater tots and cheese, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the tater tots and cheese just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the base is cold from the refrigerator.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and may even enhance the flavors. Just ensure it’s not too watery, as this could make the casserole soggy.

My family doesn’t like pepperoni. What are some good alternatives?

You can easily substitute pepperoni with cooked cooked chicken, or keep it vegetarian with extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

Can I use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots?

Yes! Sweet potato tots make a delicious variation and add nutritional benefits. The cooking time remains the same, but the flavor will have a sweet, earthy twist.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add extra vegetables, use part-skim mozzarella, and consider using air fryer tater tots (pre-cook them slightly) which require less oil.

Why are my tater tots not getting crispy?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F. Also, don’t cover the casserole during baking, as this traps steam and prevents crispiness. If your tots still aren’t crisping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

Can I use a different size baking dish?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust baking times. A smaller dish will make a thicker casserole requiring longer baking time, while a larger dish will create a thinner layer that may cook more quickly. The casserole is done when the tots are golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most tater tots are gluten-free, but always check packaging to be sure. Also verify that your pizza sauce and seasonings are gluten-free. With these checks, this recipe can easily be gluten-free.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy casserole. You can also mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for more complex flavor.

What sides go well with Tater Tot Pizza Casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a light soup for a balanced dinner.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. With its crispy tater tot topping, savory meat layer, and stretchy cheese, it satisfies pizza and potato cravings in one delicious dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility – customize it with your favorite toppings, prepare it ahead of time, or freeze it for later. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your household.

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