Introduction

Pizza Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of pizza flavors with crispy tater tots. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The dish is a baked casserole in a black rectangular pan filled with a first layer of melted white cheese that has browned slightly on top. On top of the cheese are evenly spaced golden-brown crispy tater tots that look crunchy and small round slices of dark red pepperoni scattered throughout. Beneath the cheese and toppings, there are bits of browned ground meat mixed with a red tomato sauce base. The layers create a mix of white, golden, dark red, and rich brown colors that give it a hearty and cheesy look. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
Step 4: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer.
Step 5: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture, covering as much area as possible. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots.
Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: If using optional toppings like pepperoni or vegetables, add them on top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen seasoned tater tots for added flavor without extra effort.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Mix in cooked vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers with the beef for extra nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the tater tots regain some crispness.

How to Serve

A rectangular black baking dish filled with a layered dish, starting with a base of red tomato sauce mixed with cooked ground meat. Above the base, there is a thick layer of melted white mozzarella cheese that looks gooey and stretchy. Scattered over the cheese are many golden-brown crispy tater tots, each round and puffed, some with melted cheese draped over them. Also on top are multiple small, round, reddish-brown pepperoni slices evenly spread among the tater tots and cheese. The dish has a sprinkle of dark green herbs and black pepper for extra detail, all resting on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead or the night before. Keep it refrigerated and bake just before serving, adding a little extra baking time if it goes in cold.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, tater tots offer convenience and crispiness that may be harder to achieve. If using fresh potatoes, parboil and season them before layering to ensure they cook evenly.

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

This Pizza Tot Casserole combines the comforting flavors of a classic pizza with crispy tater tots in an easy-to-make layered dish. Ground beef simmered in marinara sauce with Italian seasonings is layered with mozzarella cheese and a crispy topping of golden tater tots, then baked to bubbly perfection. Optional pizza toppings like pepperoni and vegetables can be added for extra flavor. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering, this casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional pizza using ingredients you likely have on hand.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings

Pepperoni
Olives
Bell pepper
Green onions
Mushrooms

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease using a slotted spoon.
Season and Sauce: Return the beef and onions to the skillet (if removed). Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the beef layer to help hold the tater tots in place.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture, covering as much surface as possible. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully towards the end to avoid burning.
Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, scatter optional toppings like mini pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, green onions, or mushrooms over the casserole. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until toppings are heated through.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious pizza-inspired casserole with a crispy tater tot crust.

Notes

You can customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings to suit your taste.
Draining excess grease from the ground beef is essential to prevent a greasy casserole.
If you want extra crispy tater tots, you can partially bake them before adding, but this is optional.
Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for even cooking and layering.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: pizza casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, baked casserole, comfort food