Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

Pizza Tot Casserole is the ultimate union of comfort food favorites—think classic pizza flavors melded with the crispy joy of tater tots, all baked together in one bubbly, cheesy dish. It’s a total crowd-pleaser for families, game nights, or any evening when you want something hearty and deeply satisfying, without any fuss. With layers of savory ground meat, zesty sauce, gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, black olives, and that irresistible golden tot topping, this bake is destined to become a regular in your dinner lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Pizza Tot Casserole is how effortlessly it comes together using simple, easily available ingredients. Each one not only adds its own zing—think savory, cheesy, crispy—but also works together to give that classic pizza-meets-casserole experience we all crave.

  • Ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for a rich, meaty base; turkey or plant-based options also work well for lighter fare.
  • Diced onion: Provides sweet depth and aroma as the flavor foundation of the filling.
  • Garlic cloves (minced): For a savory undertone that perfumes every bite.
  • Italian seasoning: Brings the classic herbaceous essence of pizza to life—don’t skip it!
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of gentle heat for those who like a little kick.
  • Pizza sauce or marinara sauce: The saucy heart of the dish; use your favorite jarred brand or homemade.
  • Sliced black olives: For a tangy, briny pop of flavor that’s essential to the pizza profile.
  • Chopped pepperoni (plus extra for topping): Classic pizza vibes, salty and smoky—top with even more if you’re a true pepperoni fan.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creamy, melty, and gloriously cheesy; opt for low-moisture part-skim for best melt.
  • Frozen tater tots: The crispy-crunchy topping that makes this casserole so fun and satisfying.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to taste.
  • Chopped parsley or basil (optional): A fresh, colorful finishing touch to brighten up the casserole just before serving.

How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 375°F to get things started. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and cooked through and the onion is translucent—it should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease for a lighter casserole and to prevent sogginess later on.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for a minute, just until fragrant, then stir in the jar of pizza or marinara sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to blend all the flavors. At this point, season to taste with salt and pepper for the perfect savory balance.

Step 3: Add the Pizza Goodies

Off the heat, fold in the chopped pepperoni and sliced black olives. These little bursts of flavor will ensure every forkful of your Pizza Tot Casserole delivers classic pizza goodness. If you want to go wild, toss in extra pizza toppings here, like chopped mushrooms or bell peppers.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the meat sauce mixture evenly across the bottom. Top this with 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, spreading it out for full cheesy coverage. Now comes the fun part: arrange your tater tots on top in a single, tightly-packed layer. Sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and dot with extra pepperoni slices if you really want to amp up the pizza flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Slide the assembled casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. When the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges, it’s ready! Let your Pizza Tot Casserole cool for about 5 minutes out of the oven to help everything set. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Pizza Tot Casserole

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving instantly brightens up each square of Pizza Tot Casserole. For those who love a touch of creaminess, add a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of ranch. You can even toss on some extra grated parmesan for a savory finish that brings out the pizza flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Think a crisp Caesar salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to bring a little freshness and crunch. For a classic touch, add garlic bread or breadsticks—perfect for soaking up any melty cheesy bits left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Pizza Tot Casserole into squares for easy serving, or try scooping it into mini ramekins for a fun, individual twist at parties. Let kids or guests top their portions with extra olives, pickled jalapeños, or hot honey to personalize their piece. And for game-day gatherings, cut the casserole into bite-sized pieces for a crowd-friendly appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pizza Tot Casserole keeps incredibly well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping or quick lunches. Simply transfer cooled pieces to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The layers meld together even more and somehow taste even better the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cut into desired portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re craving homemade comfort, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—no need to worry about soggy tots; they crisp up beautifully again in the oven.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Pizza Tot Casserole in a 350°F oven until hot and tots are crispy (about 15 to 20 minutes). Individual servings can be microwaved in a pinch (about 2–3 minutes), but for maximum crunch, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two after heating.

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it (unbaked and tightly covered). When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill from the fridge.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, spinach, or even pineapple can all find a happy home in your Pizza Tot Casserole. Just be sure not to overload the filling so it doesn’t get soggy.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, while mozzarella is traditional and perfectly melty, feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of pepper jack for extra flavor and personality in your casserole’s cheesy layer.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Definitely. Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or simply bulk up the filling with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers. You’ll still get all those decadent pizza flavors!

What’s the best way to keep the tater tots crispy?

For ultimate crunch, arrange tots in a single, even layer and bake uncovered. If you’re reheating leftovers, a quick stint under the oven’s broiler (just a minute or two) will revive their crispy texture perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun twist on both pizza night and classic comfort food, this Pizza Tot Casserole is sure to deliver big smiles and empty plates. Give it a go, play with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, savory magic that only a dish like this can bring. Dive in and make this family favorite your own!

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Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Tot Casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic pizza in a comforting casserole dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.


Ingredients

Meat Layer:

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara sauce

Toppings:

  • 1 (8 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni, plus extra for topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and pizza sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add toppings: Stir in pepperoni and olives. Spread the meat mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Arrange tater tots on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese and extra pepperoni.
  4. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until tater tots are golden and casserole is bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or basil.

Notes

  • Customize with favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños.
  • Swap turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter version.

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