Introduction

Pizza Tot Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with crispy tater tots. Easy to assemble and packed with cheesy, savory goodness, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

A close-up view of a rectangular black baking tray filled with a baked dish that has three main layers: the bottom layer is a chunky red tomato sauce with bits of browned meat visible, the middle layer is melted white mozzarella cheese that stretches in thin strings, and the top layer is a mix of golden brown crispy tater tots and small round pepperoni slices scattered evenly across. Some green herbs and black pepper flakes are sprinkled lightly on the cheese and toppings. The baking tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Optional toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Break up the beef as it cooks and drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer.
Step 5: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Cover the tots evenly with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: If using optional toppings, add them over the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add garlic powder or crushed red pepper to the beef mixture while cooking.
Try swapping ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Add your favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a customized casserole.
Use frozen shredded mozzarella for convenience, but fresh mozzarella can add creaminess if sliced and layered.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid freezing, as tater tots may lose their crispness after thawing.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked tater tot pizza arranged in a black rectangular pan with a thick bottom layer of melted white cheese and red tomato sauce, topped with golden crispy tater tots scattered evenly, small round dark red pepperoni slices placed between the tater tots, and a light sprinkle of chopped green herbs for garnish. The cheese looks melted and slightly browned in some spots, stretching lightly from the tater tots. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

While tater tots provide the signature crunch and convenience, you can substitute with diced or shredded potatoes. Pre-cook them beforehand to ensure they become tender and crispy in the casserole.

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Pizza Tot Casserole is a hearty, cheesy comfort dish combining classic pizza flavors with crispy tater tots. Ground beef cooked with onions simmers in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, layered with mozzarella cheese and topped with crispy baked tater tots. Optional pizza toppings add extra flavor and customization. Perfect for a family meal or casual gathering, it offers a satisfying twist on traditional pizza with the ease of a baked casserole.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings

Pepperoni
Olives
Bell pepper
Green onions
Mushrooms

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease and remove the beef and onions with a slotted spoon.
Season and Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet or back to the beef mixture. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer to help hold the tater tots.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese and beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning.
Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, add mini pepperoni slices, olives, bell peppers, green onions, or mushrooms on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes to heat through without overcooking.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly to allow cheese to set. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious pizza-flavored comfort meal.

Notes

You can customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Using a slotted spoon to remove cooked beef helps reduce excess grease and keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
Let the casserole cool a few minutes before serving to help it set and slice more easily.
If you want crispier tater tots, you can bake them separately before assembling.
This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for the next day.

Keywords: pizza tot casserole, tater tot casserole, easy casserole, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, kid-friendly dinner, pizza flavors, comfort food