Pizza Tot Casserole a cheesy, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of pizza with crispy tater tots. This dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a fun party dish. It has all the best parts of pizza—savory sauce, melty cheese, and tasty toppings—layered with crunchy tater tots for an irresistible twist.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together two classic comfort foods: pizza and tater tots. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. The crispy tater tots add a fantastic texture, while the gooey cheese and flavorful pizza sauce create a deliciously satisfying bite. Plus, it’s completely customizable—perfect for adding my favorite pizza toppings!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup pizza sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the tater tots in an even layer.
Pour the meat mixture over the tater tots, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Layer the remaining tater tots on top, followed by the cheddar cheese and remaining mozzarella.
Scatter mini pepperoni slices, black olives, green bell pepper, and mushrooms on top.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy.
Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra protein.
Veggie Delight: Skip the meat and load up on extra bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
BBQ Twist: Swap the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken instead of sausage.
Breakfast Style: Replace the Italian sausage with breakfast sausage and top with scrambled eggs before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
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FAQs
How can I make this casserole healthier?
I like to use lean ground turkey instead of sausage and swap regular tater tots for a lower-carb alternative, like cauliflower tots. Adding more veggies also helps lighten it up.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! I assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, I let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Besides mozzarella and cheddar, I’ve tried provolone, gouda, and Monterey Jack—all add great flavor and melt beautifully.
Can I make this without meat?
Absolutely! I simply leave out the sausage and add more vegetables or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based sausage.
How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?
I bake them for 10 minutes before assembling the casserole to give them a head start on crisping up. It makes a big difference!
Conclusion
This Pizza Tot Casserole is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness. Whether making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a fun weekend meal, it’s always a hit. I love how easy it is to customize with different toppings and how simple it is to prepare. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a new favorite in the meal rotation.
📖 Recipe:
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Pizza Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Pizza Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots with cheesy, saucy pizza flavors. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party meal. Loaded with melty mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, mini pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings, this tater tot casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the tater tots in an even layer.
- Pour the meat mixture over the tater tots, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the remaining tater tots, followed by cheddar cheese and the remaining mozzarella.
- Scatter mini pepperoni slices, black olives, green bell pepper, and mushrooms on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Make it crispier: Bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before assembling for extra crunch.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
