Scrumptious Cheesy Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe for Families

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy tater tot pizza casserole that combines the best of two beloved dishes.

Crispy potato gems nestle perfectly between layers of zesty pepperoni and melted cheese.

Ground beef brings hearty flavor to every single bite.

The casserole delivers a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of pizza-inspired ingredients and crispy tater tot goodness.

Prepare to be the dinner hero with this irresistible, crowd-winning dish that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 8

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source with deep, savory flavor that forms the hearty foundation of the casserole, choose lean cuts for better texture.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth, select fresh, firm onions without soft spots or bruising.

• Pizza Sauce: Delivers classic tangy tomato base that binds ingredients, opt for high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbaceous Mediterranean profile, look for blend without added salt.
• Garlic Powder: Intensifies savory notes without raw garlic texture, choose pure powder without additives.
• Onion Powder: Concentrates onion essence, select fine-ground variety for even distribution.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato base that creates delightful crunch, select golden, uniformly sized tots.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, stretchy melting quality, pick freshly shredded for best melting performance.
• Pepperoni (Optional): Adds spicy, meaty accent, choose thin-sliced for even distribution.
• Bell Peppers (Optional): Introduces vibrant color and slight crunch, select firm, bright-colored peppers.
• Olives (Optional): Provides briny, tangy undertone, select pitted olives for easier preparation.

Tools That Help Layer and Bake Fast

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and onions with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole with plenty of space.
• Measuring spoons: Key for accurately adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and other spices.
• Cheese grater: Useful if you're grating fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix meat and seasonings smoothly in the skillet.
• Oven mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes and removing casserole from oven.

How to Make a Tot-Topped Pizza-Inspired Dish

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 400F and give your baking dish a quick spritz of cooking spray.

• Brown the Beef

Sauté ground beef with onions in a skillet, making sure the meat gets a gorgeous golden color and is fully cooked. Ditch any extra grease.

• Spice Things Up

Stir pizza sauce and a dash of seasonings into the meat mixture. Let it simmer and get all those flavors mingling.

• Create the Base Layer

Spread the meaty goodness across your baking dish and shower it with a blanket of mozzarella cheese.

• Tater Tot Magic

Nestle frozen tater tots in a perfect single layer over the cheesy meat foundation.

• Crisp and Golden

Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the tots turn a gorgeous crispy golden brown.

• Cheese Explosion

Pull out the casserole and rain down more mozzarella. Toss on any extra toppings that make your taste buds dance.

• Final Melt

Pop back in the oven for a quick few minutes to transform the cheese into a bubbling, irresistible topping.

• Dig In

Let the casserole cool just slightly, then serve up this comfort food masterpiece and enjoy every single bite!

Cheese, Meat, and Sauce Variations to Try

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that's just as delicious and hearty.
• Kick the flavor profile by adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or swap Italian seasoning for a Southwest-inspired blend to create a zesty twist on the classic recipe.
• Ensure tater tots get extra crispy by placing them directly on a wire rack inside the baking dish, allowing hot air to circulate underneath for maximum crunchiness.
• Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based meat substitutes to make this recipe friendly for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time.

Slice and Serve This Crowd-Pleaser Hot

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Set up a build-your-own pizza casserole station with extra toppings like chopped jalapeños, sliced mushrooms, and crispy bacon bits for guests to customize their servings.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy ranch or a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.
• Kid-Friendly Meal Hack: Cut the casserole into small squares and serve as finger food for game nights or family gatherings, making it easy for children and adults to enjoy.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Transform cold casserole into a quick lunch by reheating and topping with a fried egg or wrapping in a warm tortilla for a pizza-inspired wrap.

Save Leftovers to Enjoy Another Night

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Keeps perfectly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes. For crispy tater tots, use oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore original texture and crunchiness.
• Prepare entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, pop directly into preheated oven. Saves time and delivers fresh, hot dinner without evening stress.

Cheesy Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty tater tot pizza casserole, blending classic pizza flavors with crispy potato goodness. Rich layers of ground beef, cheese, and zesty sauce create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 (28-oz/794 g) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• ½ cup chopped bell peppers
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat after cooking completely.
2. Flavor Infusion: Introduce pizza sauce and seasonings to the meat mixture, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for 2-3 minutes over gentle heat.
3. Foundational Layer: Distribute seasoned meat evenly across a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a robust base and sprinkling the first layer of mozzarella cheese.
4. Crispy Topping Arrangement: Configure frozen tater tots in a uniform layer atop the cheese, ensuring complete surface coverage.
5. Initial Baking Phase: Slide the uncovered dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, roasting until tater tots transform into golden, crisp perfection (approximately 25-30 minutes).
6. Final Cheese and Garnish Transformation: Extract the casserole, lavish with remaining mozzarella and optional toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives, then return to oven for a swift 5-7 minute melting session.
7. Serving Presentation: Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to stabilize before serving alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and drained to prevent excess greasiness, creating a crisp and flavorful base for the casserole.
• Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer for maximum crispiness and even cooking, avoiding overlapping to guarantee a perfect golden texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar or pepper jack, and add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to elevate the pizza-inspired taste and complexity.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives, use gluten-free tater tots, and opt for dairy-free cheese to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg