Get ready to experience comfort food magic with this Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole! This crowd-pleasing dish combines two family favorites—crispy tater tots and zesty pizza—into one irresistible meal that will have everyone rushing to the dinner table.
I created this recipe on a busy weeknight when I couldn’t decide between pizza or something potato-based. The result? A deliciously nostalgic casserole that satisfies multiple cravings at once and has since become a regular request in our home.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights
- Kid-approved flavors that adults will equally enjoy
- One-dish meal means minimal cleanup
- Crispy, cheesy texture with familiar pizza flavors
- Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small bag pepperoni slices (about 3.5 ounces)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce across the bottom of your prepared dish. Sprinkle about ⅓ of the pepperoni slices over the sauce.
- Layer half of the frozen tater tots over the pepperoni, then half of the remaining pasta sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and another ⅓ of the pepperoni slices.
- Repeat with the remaining tater tots, pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, and finish with the last of the pepperoni on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using – don't worry about measuring, just add as much as you like!
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place on the center rack of your oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let everything heat through and the cheese start melting.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes, or until the pepperoni is crispy and the top layer of tater tots turns golden brown and crunchy.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve as is, or top with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños
- Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile
- Add a layer of sautéed vegetables between the meat and cheese for extra nutrition
- For extra crispy tots, bake them separately for 10 minutes before adding to the casserole
- Make ahead: Prepare everything except the tater tots, refrigerate, then add tots and bake when ready to serve
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is practically a meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For a complete pizza parlor experience, serve with a side of garlic bread and some ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
For a fun party setup, place small bowls of additional pizza toppings like banana peppers, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese on the table so everyone can customize their portion.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to maintain the crispy texture
- The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling and the tots are golden brown
- For best results, don’t thaw the tater tots before baking
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Prepare up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce works wonderfully and allows you to control the seasonings and salt content.
My family doesn’t like pepperoni. What can I substitute?
Try using cooked and crumbled bacon, Canadian bacon, ham, or any of your favorite pizza toppings instead.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
This recipe is best made in the oven to ensure the tater tots get crispy. A slow cooker would result in a softer texture throughout.
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