I make this Pizza Tater Tot Casserole when I crave pizza flavors in a cozy, layered bake. It combines seasoned ground meat, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as satisfying as it is fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole takes all the familiar pizza ingredients—pepperoni, cheese, sauce—and turns them into a hearty comfort dish. It’s simple to assemble, bakes up golden and bubbling, and is perfect for feeding a hungry family or a casual get-together. Plus, it’s one-pan easy and totally customizable.

Ingredients

(Herе’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen tater tots
Ground beef or sausage
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Sliced pepperoni (optional)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil (for cooking the meat)

Directions

Preheat oven. I heat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the meat layer. In a skillet, I warm a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat, then sauté onion and garlic until soft. I add ground beef (or sausage), season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Then I stir in pizza sauce.
Layer the casserole. I spread the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish. If I’m using pepperoni, I scatter it over the meat.
Add cheese. I sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan on top.
Top with tots. I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer, covering the cheese.
Bake. I place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
Finish and serve. I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before scooping into portions—this helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook meat & assemble: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Variations

Veggie boost: I stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the meat sauce for added nutrition.
Meat mix: I use half ground beef, half Italian sausage for deeper flavor.
Cheese twist: I layer pepper jack or cheddar with the mozzarella, or sprinkle in crumbled feta or goat cheese after baking.
Spicy version: I add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Tater tot swap: I try sweet potato tots or waffle fries for a gluten-free option.

Storage/reheating

I cool any leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melty and the tots crisp up again. I avoid microwaving—it tends to make the tots soggy.

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes—I often make it up to a day in advance. I cover and refrigerate it, then bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5 minutes to the bake time.

Do I have to use frozen tater tots?

Frozen tater tots give the best texture, but you can use refrigerator hash browns or even French fries if preferred. Just adjust bake time accordingly.

Can I use turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute works great, though I might reduce added oil since they’re leaner.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes—I wrap the cooled casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350 °F oven until fully warmed.

What side dishes pair well with it?

I serve this casserole with a crisp salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies to balance the richness and add freshness.

Conclusion

I adore this Pizza Tater Tot Casserole because it merges all my favorite pizza ingredients into a comforting, easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, satisfying picky eaters, or enjoying as a hearty family meal. Every cheesy, crispy bite makes me smile!