Name: Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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; Pepperoni slices; Black olives, sliced; Bell pepper, diced; Green onions, chopped; Mushrooms, sliced

Introduction

Pizza Tot Casserole is a fun and easy comfort food that combines all your favorite pizza flavors with crispy tater tots. This hearty casserole is perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends in just one dish.

A close-up view of a thick layer of golden-brown tater tots spread evenly as the top layer on a white plate, beneath which is a melted layer of creamy white cheese, with small crunchy browned spots. Sprinkled throughout are thin, round slices of crispy pepperoni with slightly curled edges, and small bits of cooked sausage peeking through the cheese. The surface is rich with textures: the crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and chewy pepperoni all visible. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat sauce.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tater tots. Add any optional toppings you like at this stage.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pizza Tot Casserole!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a drizzle of garlic butter over the tater tots before baking.
Try using different cheeses like cheddar or a blend for a twist on the classic mozzarella.
Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
If you prefer, swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the tater tots regain their crispness, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy tots.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pizza topped with a thick layer of golden-brown tater tots spread evenly across the surface. Beneath the tater tots is a layer of melted white cheese covering the entire pizza, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Scattered on top are small slices of browned pepperoni with some cooked sausage pieces visible throughout, adding a mix of reddish-brown and beige tones. The edges have a slight crisp, and the pizza sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While you can, frozen tater tots give the best texture and convenience. Fresh potatoes would need to be par-cooked and may change the cooking time and consistency.

Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

This Pizza Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and crispy tater tots topped with melted mozzarella cheese and delicious optional pizza-inspired toppings. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it is easy to assemble and bake, offering the flavors of pizza in a casserole form.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Tots

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings

Pepperoni slices
Black olives, sliced
Bell pepper, diced
Green onions, chopped
Mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the cooked beef mixture evenly at the bottom. Add an even layer of frozen tater tots over the beef. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Add any desired optional pizza-inspired toppings such as pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, green onions, or mushrooms.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot: Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

You can customize toppings based on your family’s preferences.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Make sure to thaw the tater tots slightly if your oven requires it, but they can usually be baked directly from frozen.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.

Keywords: pizza casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, pizza-inspired dish