Name: Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce; 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots; Extra pepperoni slices; Chopped parsley

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s pure comfort, irresistibly cheesy, and a total crowd-pleaser, you have to try Tater Tot Pizza Casserole. Imagine the best parts of pizza and tater tot casserole coming together in one bubbling, golden-brown dish—crispy tater tots, a savory beef and pepperoni filling, melty cheese, and tangy pizza sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that makes weeknights more fun and family gatherings extra memorable. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is straightforward, but every single item is essential for building those classic pizza flavors and that crave-worthy texture. Each addition has a purpose, from tender veggies to gooey cheese, making Tater Tot Pizza Casserole an easy win for dinner.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty base that soaks up all the pizza flavors and keeps every bite satisfying.
Diced Onion (1/2 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the casserole’s savory filling.
Diced Green Bell Pepper (1/2 cup): Brings a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor reminiscent of classic pizza toppings.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that gives the casserole its unmistakable pizza aroma.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and boosting all the other flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Pizza Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): The tangy, tomato base that ties everything together—don’t skip this!
Mini Pepperoni Slices (1/2 cup): For bursts of classic pizza flavor in every bite.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): The ultimate melty cheese that makes this casserole so gooey and satisfying.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharpness and a gorgeous golden color to the cheesy layer.
Frozen Tater Tots (1 bag, 32 ounces): The crispy crown that makes this dish so fun and family-friendly.
Extra Pepperoni & Chopped Parsley (optional): For a pretty, pizza-inspired finish and a pop of freshness.

How to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Take this moment to grease your 9×13-inch baking dish, which will ensure that nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze later. With this prep done, you’re already on your way to a delicious Tater Tot Pizza Casserole!

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until everything is browned and the veggies are tender. If there’s any extra fat, go ahead and drain it off to keep the casserole from getting greasy.

Step 3: Season and Sauce

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then pour in the pizza sauce and add the mini pepperoni. Let everything mingle for a minute or two off the heat—that’s when the aroma starts to smell just like your favorite pizzeria!

Step 4: Layer in the Baking Dish

Spread the beef and pepperoni mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Now comes the cheese: sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar over the top, making sure every corner gets covered for that perfect melty pull in every serving.

Step 5: Add the Tater Tots

Take your frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer over the cheese. This is where the magic happens—the tots bake up golden and crispy, creating a crave-worthy topping for your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crisp and golden. For a true pizza look, add extra pepperoni slices during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, sprinkle with parsley if you like, and serve while it’s bubbling hot!

How to Serve Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle your casserole with freshly chopped parsley or a little extra cheese right before serving. If you want that classic pizza look, add a few more mini pepperoni slices on top during the last minutes of baking. These simple garnishes make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole extra inviting and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing or some roasted broccoli for a pop of color and freshness. Garlic breadsticks or a simple Caesar salad also make fantastic sides, perfectly complementing the hearty, cheesy layers of Tater Tot Pizza Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for single-serve portions. You can also cut it into squares and serve with toothpicks as a fun, shareable appetizer. However you serve it, Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. In the fridge, Tater Tot Pizza Casserole will keep for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking and garnishing. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers—just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm portions in a 350°F oven until hot, about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual servings until warmed through, but for the crispiest tater tot topping, the oven is your best friend!

FAQs

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even spicy Italian sausage work beautifully in Tater Tot Pizza Casserole. Just make sure to cook and drain them well before assembling the casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Skip the pepperoni or use a meatless version, and you’ll still get all those classic pizza flavors in Tater Tot Pizza Casserole.

Can I add more veggies to the filling?

Definitely. Feel free to toss in sliced black olives, mushrooms, or even spinach to the beef mixture before baking. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and add a supreme pizza twist to your casserole.

How do I keep the tater tots extra crispy?

Arrange them in a single, even layer and avoid overcrowding. Baking uncovered is key, and a quick broil at the end can help achieve extra crunch if you like your tots super crispy on top of your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole.

Can I assemble Tater Tot Pizza Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for a fresh and effortless dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s loaded with flavor and fun, Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the answer. This recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for sharing. Go ahead—give it a try, and get ready for smiles all around the table!

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish combining the flavors of a classic pizza with the comfort of crispy tater tots. Ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a savory pizza sauce base are layered with melted cheeses and topped with golden, crispy tater tots for a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

Cheese Topping

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Tater Tot Layer

1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings

Extra pepperoni slices
Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper together until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Season and Add Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and pizza sauce into the beef mixture. Mix well to combine the flavors, then add the mini pepperoni slices and remove the skillet from heat.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to distribute it across the bottom of the dish.
Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the beef mixture layer to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
Arrange Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese to form the crispy top layer of the casserole.
Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
Optional Final Toppings: In the last 5 minutes of baking, add extra pepperoni slices on top if desired for added flavor and bake until slightly crisped.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, then serve warm.

Notes

Try adding sliced black olives or mushrooms to the beef filling for a delicious supreme pizza variation.
For a spicier casserole, substitute ground beef with hot Italian sausage instead.
Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid overly greasy casserole.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

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