Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for pizza lovers looking for a unique twist on the classic flavors. With ground beef, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the crispy tater tots on top bring a delightful texture that kids and adults alike will love.

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time with most of the magic happening in the oven!
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, if not better.
• Kid-Friendly: A sure hit with picky eaters thanks to familiar pizza flavors and tater tots.
• Customizable: Easy to add your favorite pizza toppings and seasonings.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a warm, bubbling casserole that marries the best parts of pizza and a cozy tater tot bake. You get the tangy, seasoned flavor of pizza sauce with a hearty layer of beef and pepperoni, topped with melted mozzarella. Finally, the tater tots create a crispy golden layer, making this dish both crunchy and creamy with every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Pizza Tater Tot Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 bag (about 32 ounces) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup pepperoni (cut into small pieces)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet: For browning the ground beef.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for evenly layering all the ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: To break up the ground beef and mix the sauce.
• Non-stick Spray: Essential for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Add Veggies: Try diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for added texture.
• Spicy Option: Add some red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variations: Swap half of the mozzarella with shredded cheddar for a tangier flavor.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use a meatless ground beef substitute and load up with veggies instead of pepperoni.

How to Make Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s ready when you are!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Pizza Sauce

Stir in the pizza sauce with the cooked ground beef. Let the mixture simmer on low for a few minutes so that the flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to make sure the casserole doesn’t stick.

Step 5: Layer the Meat and Sauce Mixture

Spread the ground beef and pizza sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer, creating a delicious cheesy base.

Step 7: Arrange Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer in a single, even layer. This will be the crispy topping.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Cheese

Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the tater tots, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 9: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Let Cool & Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking for complementary sides, try pairing it with:

• Garlic Bread: To soak up any extra pizza sauce.
• Simple Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad adds a fresh element to the meal.
• Steamed Veggies: Serve with broccoli or green beans for added nutrients.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

1. Drain the Beef: Make sure to drain any excess grease from the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
2. Customize the Toppings: Just like a pizza, feel free to get creative with toppings—add olives, bell peppers, or even pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous!
3. Bake Until Crispy: To ensure the tater tots get crispy on top, bake until they are golden brown.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave for a quicker option.
• Freeze: You can freeze this casserole after baking. Once cooled, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a slightly different flavor.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce?

If you don’t have pizza sauce, you can use marinara or tomato sauce with a little added Italian seasoning to create that pizza flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just pop it in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining pizza flavors with the irresistible crunch of tater tots. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual get-together, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to customize, quick to make, and so delicious that you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!

More Casseroles to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love these crowd-pleasers:

• Cheesy Taco Casserole
• Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
• Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Bake

Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out! Share your photos and reviews on Pinterest, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!