If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love, this Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect choice! It combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza with the crispy goodness of tater tots in a cheesy, savory bake. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a bake time of 30 minutes, this casserole is a quick and satisfying meal that will become a regular on your dinner rotation.
A Family Favorite: Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy nights. Kid-Friendly – A fun twist on pizza that kids absolutely adore. Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings for a unique twist. Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, game days, or family dinners.
Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (divided)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 7-8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Bake the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until slightly crispy. This helps ensure they stay crispy in the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the tater tots are pre-baking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Pepperoni
Stir in the pizza sauce and half of the pepperoni slices, allowing the flavors to blend for about 2-3 minutes. If you’re adding any extra toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers, mix them in at this stage.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the sausage and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer 7-8 slices of mozzarella cheese over the sauce mixture.
- Add the pre-baked tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Sprinkle with 8 oz shredded mozzarella, reserving 1 tbsp for later.
- Top with remaining pepperoni slices and any extra toppings of choice.
- Finish with 1 tbsp reserved mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Serve with a crisp side salad and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
- Extra Crispy Tots: If you love extra crunch, air-fry the tater tots at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
- More Cheese? Mix in some cheddar cheese or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble everything in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even chicken sausage can be used as a substitute.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies pair perfectly with this hearty casserole.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try adding cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
5. How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the tater tots and layering them on top of the casserole (instead of mixing them in) helps keep them crispy.
This Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try recipe that delivers all the flavors of a classic pizza with a fun, crispy twist. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or a big game-day gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy a cheesy, crispy, and utterly delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
