Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

Looking for a showstopping weeknight dinner that brings together the best of pizza night and cozy comfort food? This Pizza Tot Casserole is your ticket to a family-friendly, crave-worthy meal that’s ready fast and guaranteed to make even picky eaters swoon. Layered with savory saucy beef, gooey cheese, and crowned with crispy, golden tater tots, it’s like your favorite slice of pizza collided with the ultimate casserole. Bursting with flavor, easy to personalize, and perfect for sharing, you’ll want to make this Pizza Tot Casserole on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pizza Tot Casserole is how each ingredient pulls its weight, from adding bold flavor to creating signature textures. With just a handful of essentials and a few creative toppings, you’ll have an irresistible dish that’s both simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying.

• Ground beef (or Italian sausage): Delivers a hearty base and plenty of savory depth—try sausage for an extra kick.
• Diced onion: Softens and sweetens as it cooks, weaving subtle flavor through every bite.
• Marinara or pizza sauce: The sauce brings classic pizza flavor and keeps everything nice and saucy.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a familiar herby aroma that screams “pizza night.”
• Salt and pepper: A quick dash sharpens and balances all the flavors.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella/cheddar mix): Melts into glorious cheesy goodness—use cheddar for a touch more richness.
• Frozen tater tots (32 oz bag): The crispy topping that turns this into a next-level casserole—no need to thaw first!
• Mini pepperoni slices (optional): Classic pizza topping, they add a pop of salty, meaty flavor.
• Sliced black olives (optional): Give a briny, earthy note that pairs so well with cheese and sauce.
• Diced bell pepper (optional): Vibrant color and a bit of sweet crunch—choose your favorite color.
• Sliced green onions (optional): Fresh and zippy, they make a pretty and tasty topping.
• Sliced mushrooms (optional): Bring extra umami and hearty texture to your Pizza Tot Casserole.

How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and give your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish a quick grease. A hot oven is key for transforming those tater tots into a golden, crispy crown—don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Grab a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and all the diced onion. Sauté together for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat is browned and the onions have turned soft and aromatic. Drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from getting soggy.

Step 3: Season and Sauce

Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can mingle. This step is how your Pizza Tot Casserole gets its iconic pizza punch!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the hot, savory beef and sauce mixture evenly across your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheese evenly across the top, creating the first layer of gooey goodness.

Step 5: Add Tater Tots

Now for the fun part! Arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese and beef mixture. Don’t worry about perfection—a little overlap is just fine. Scatter the remaining cup of cheese on top for melty, bubbly bliss.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the tater tots are gorgeously crisp and golden, and the cheese is bubbling irresistibly, you’ll know it’s ready.

Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)

If you want to take your Pizza Tot Casserole over the top, sprinkle on mini pepperoni, olives, diced bell peppers, green onions, or mushrooms—whatever toppings your crew loves. Pop it back in the oven for 5 more minutes to warm everything through.

Step 8: Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing in. The anticipation is real, but this short rest helps everything set up for perfect, cheesy servings. Dig in and enjoy the magic of pizza night, casserole-style!

How to Serve Pizza Tot Casserole

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a finishing drizzle of tangy ranch are all fantastic ways to add a little pizzazz to your Pizza Tot Casserole. A few red pepper flakes can please those who love a kick, while chopped parsley or extra green onions add fresh color and crunch just before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve your bubbling hot Pizza Tot Casserole alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad tossed with a zesty Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic knots or warm breadsticks are a fun way to soak up any extra sauce, but honestly, this casserole can star all by itself!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or movie nights, try baking the casserole in mini ramekins for perfectly portioned, personal-size pies. Or serve squares of Pizza Tot Casserole on a wooden board, pizza shop–style! Want to lean into the pizza theme? Add little flags with topping names for a fun “build-your-own” buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftover Pizza Tot Casserole? Lucky you! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors get even better overnight, making lunch the next day a delicious guarantee.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Stash them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and you’ll have a stash of Pizza Tot Casserole that keeps for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked magic, reheat individual servings in the oven at 350°F until hot and the tater tots crisp up again—about 15 minutes. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a damp paper towel; just know the tots won’t be as crispy, but the taste is still spectacular.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of Pizza Tot Casserole, and both take on pizza flavors beautifully—just don’t forget to season well for the best results.

What other cheeses work well in this casserole?

Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to experiment with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little smoked gouda for extra depth. Mixing cheddar in adds a sharp bite that pairs nicely with the savory sauce.

Can I assemble Pizza Tot Casserole in advance?

Yes—you can fully assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going from fridge to oven.

How do I make this casserole vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, chopped zucchini, or a plant-based crumble. Use a vegetarian-friendly sauce and go big on cheese and veggie toppings—everyone will want a second helping!

Can I add more vegetables to my Pizza Tot Casserole?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, artichokes, or even roasted broccoli mix seamlessly with the beef layer or as toppings. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, after just one bite, Pizza Tot Casserole will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and so comforting—perfect for weeknights, lunch leftovers, or whenever you need a little extra joy. Don’t wait to give it a try!

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