Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Pizza Tot Casserole! This brilliant creation combines two family favorites – crispy tater tots and cheesy pizza – into one irresistible dish that will have everyone rushing to the dinner table.
Born from those “what’s in the freezer?” moments, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both pizza cravings and the desire for something hearty and homemade. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something fun that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Kid-approved and adult-craved – no complaints at the dinner table!
- Uses freezer and pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Crispy, cheesy texture with every delicious bite
- Perfect for meal prep – it reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Brown ground meat with onion in large skillet. Drain fat. Add sauce and seasonings, simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Spread meat mixture in dish, top with half the mozzarella. Arrange tater tots in single layer on top.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Top with remaining cheese and optional pepperoni. Bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts. Optional: sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, olives, and extra bell peppers instead.
- Breakfast twist: Add scrambled eggs to the base and use breakfast sausage for a morning pizza tot casserole.
- Make it supreme: Add black olives, mushrooms, and any other pizza toppings your family loves.
- Spice it up: Mix some buffalo sauce into the pizza sauce for a kick, or add jalapeños on top.
- Time-saver: Use pre-cooked sausage crumbles from the freezer section to cut down on prep time.
- Extra crispy tots: Bake the tots for 10 minutes before assembling the casserole for maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of garlic bread or breadsticks is perfect for dipping into any extra sauce around the edges of your plate.
For a complete pizza parlor experience at home, offer small bowls of additional pizza toppings like crushed red pepper, oregano, and grated parmesan for everyone to customize their portion.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture of the tots.
- You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tots are crispy on top.
- This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking (add 5-10 minutes to baking time).
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for about 45-50 minutes.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work well. Just be sure to season accordingly.
My family doesn’t like bell peppers. What can I substitute?
You can simply omit them or substitute with vegetables your family enjoys, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Definitely! Homemade pizza sauce works wonderfully and allows you to control the flavors and ingredients.
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