Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy, fun, and sure to bring smiles all around? This Pizza Tater Tot Casserole combines everything you love about pizza—savory meats, melty cheese, and that irresistible pizza sauce—with the crispy texture of tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole is a comforting, satisfying meal that’ll make everyone go back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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 9x13-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!
Notes
Skillet: For browning the ground beef.
9x13-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.
9x13-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.