Description
Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the crispy goodness of tater tots with all the delicious flavors of pizza. This easy, kid-friendly dish features a savory pizza-inspired filling topped with mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni, sausage, and your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or a casual dinner, this one-dish casserole is quick to make and requires minimal cleanup. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 lb ground Italian sausage or beef (or use turkey for a lighter option)
1 (15 oz) jar pizza sauce (or marinara)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (3.5 oz) package sliced pepperoni
½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Spread frozen tater tots evenly in the dish. Bake for 15 minutes to crisp them up (no need to thaw).
-
In a skillet, brown the sausage or beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
-
Spread the meat sauce over the partially baked tater tots. Top with mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni, and any veggies.
-
Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).
-
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more veggies, like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Extra Crispy: Use extra crispy tater tots for maximum crunch.
Spicy: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or use an air fryer for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American