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
