Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining crispy tater tots, classic pizza flavors, and cheesy goodness in one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game night. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this casserole delivers all the flavor of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a baked hot dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefpizza sauceshredded mozzarella cheesepepperonisliced black olivesdiced bell peppersonionsgarlic powderItalian seasoningfrozen tater totssalt and pepper to taste

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions until browned. Drain excess fat.

Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella over the beef layer.

Add your toppings of choice like pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers.

Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Use ground sausage or turkey instead of beef.
Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or diced pineapple for extra flavor.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a sharper cheese profile.
Swap in marinara sauce for a slightly different flavor.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more veggies.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
This recipe is best with frozen tater tots, but you can use cooked, diced potatoes as a substitute.

Is this casserole spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni for heat.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What kind of pizza sauce should I use?
Any store-bought or homemade pizza sauce works—choose your favorite for flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, ensure your pizza sauce, tater tots, and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, use them frozen for the best crispy texture.

Can I make it in a smaller pan?
Yes, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan.

How do I make it crispier?
Bake uncovered and consider broiling the top for the last 2 minutes.

Can kids help make this?
Yes, kids can help layer the toppings and arrange the tater tots.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—assemble and freeze before baking for a quick future meal.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a fun, satisfying dish that brings together the best parts of pizza and comfort food in one crowd-pleasing bake. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for busy nights, this cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed casserole is sure to be a hit every time.