Hey y'all! If you're craving the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza and the crispy crunch of tater tots all in one easy dish, this Pizza Tot Casserole is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It's loaded with savory flavors, melty cheese, and golden tots on top—perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual get-togethers with friends and family. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and the leftovers (if you have any!) are amazing. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pizza Tot Casserole
- Super easy to make—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings for endless variety.
- Crowd-pleaser at potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
- Hearty, cheesy, and full of classic pizza flavors.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Pizza Tot Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green bell pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Layer the Pizza Tot Casserole
- Spread the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat sauce.
- Add a layer of pepperoni, black olives, and bell peppers if using.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and a few more pieces of pepperoni if desired.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pizza Tot Casserole Notes & Tips
- For extra crispy tots, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it!
- Swap in your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or cooked sausage for a personalized twist (see more topping ideas).
- If you prefer a lighter option, use turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Pizza Tot Casserole Variations
- Veggie Lover's: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, peppers, and spinach.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Tot Casserole: Use cooked shredded chicken and barbecue sauce instead of beef and pizza sauce.
- Breakfast Pizza Tot Casserole: Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and swap pizza sauce for salsa.
Required Equipment for Pizza Tot Casserole
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Pizza Tot Casserole Storage Instructions
- Allow casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- For longer storage, freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Pizza Tot Casserole
- Pair with a simple green salad tossed in Italian dressing.
- Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for a true pizza-night feast.
- Enjoy with a cold glass of soda, iced tea, or your favorite craft beer.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Pizza Tot Casserole
- For best results, let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it slices cleanly.
- Shred your own cheese for meltier, creamier texture and skip the pre-shredded kind (learn why here).
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Pizza Tot Casserole FAQ
- Can I make Pizza Tot Casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- What type of tater tots work best?
- Any frozen tater tots will work, but extra crispy varieties hold up best and add great texture. See more tater tot ideas.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your tater tots, pizza sauce, and toppings are all certified gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
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3Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, green bell pepper, and black olives. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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4Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and layer with pepperoni slices.
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5Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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6Bake for 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
480cal
Protein:
22 gg
Fat:
28 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
38 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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