When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty casserole that combines the best of two worlds pizza and tater tots. If you’re craving something indulgent, savory, and easy to make, look no further than Tater Tot Pizza Casserole. This dish is a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, packed with gooey cheese, savory ground beef, and crispy tater tots. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this casserole is bound to become a new favorite.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s gather the ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
1 package (28 oz) frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or oil for greasing

These ingredients combine to form a comforting, cheesy casserole that hits all the right flavor notes. Now, let’s get started!

Preparation for Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Preheat the Oven

The first step in preparing this delicious casserole is preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly, with the perfect golden-brown crust. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Cook the Ground Beef

Next, grab a large skillet and cook 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add 1 small finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The onion will add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef.

Add the Pizza Sauce and Seasonings

Now that your ground beef and onions are cooked, it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in 1 can (15 oz) of pizza sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. The result will be a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the beef.

Layering the Casserole

Build the Layers

Once the beef mixture is ready, it’s time to layer the casserole. Start by spreading the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. This forms the base of your casserole, giving it that delicious pizza-like flavor. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture. Be sure to cover the entire surface with the tater tots so that every bite has that crispy, golden goodness.

Top with Cheese

Now comes the best part the cheese! Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. The mozzarella will melt beautifully, while the cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients. This cheese blend creates the perfect cheesy topping for your casserole.

Cooking the Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the entire casserole should be hot and delicious. If you prefer an extra crispy topping, you can bake for a few more minutes or broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.

Let It Cool

Once your casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice. Trust us, the wait is worth it!

Serving Your Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Slice and Serve

Once your casserole has had a chance to cool slightly, slice it into generous portions. This dish is perfect for serving family-style, as everyone can dig in and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the casserole.

Presentation Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley over the top of the casserole before serving. This adds a burst of color and freshness, making the dish look even more appealing. Plus, the fresh herbs bring a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole.

Nutritional Information for Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value of Tater Tot Pizza Casserole per serving:

Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g

While this casserole is a bit indulgent, it’s packed with protein from the ground beef and cheese, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

Make It Your Own

One of the great things about this casserole is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Add Vegetables: If you want to add some veggies to your casserole, try layering in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These vegetables will add both flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Use Different Meats: Instead of ground beef, you could use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. You could also use ground chicken for a leaner option.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free Version: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free frozen tater tots and ensure that your pizza sauce is gluten-free.

Make-Ahead Option

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven for the baking time. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

FAQs About Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Can I freeze Tater Tot Pizza Casserole?

Yes! Tater Tot Pizza Casserole freezes well. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it at 375°F for 20-30 minutes.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this casserole vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or vegetarian ground meat. You can also add a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli, to give the dish more texture and flavor.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pizza sauce, go ahead and use your favorite recipe. Homemade sauce can add an extra layer of flavor, and you can control the seasonings to your liking.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, try adding some jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top of the casserole before baking. You can adjust the spice level to match your personal preferences.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a true comfort food classic that everyone will love. With its combination of crispy tater tots, savory beef, gooey melted cheese, and rich pizza sauce, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual dinner, or prepping for a busy week ahead, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, next time you’re craving pizza and want something a little different, give this casserole a try it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

For even more comforting recipes to try, check out these other delicious dishes:

These recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings and make mealtime fun and delicious. Enjoy!

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with flavorful ground beef, pizza sauce, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese, it’s a family favorite dinner idea that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
1 package (28 oz) frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the Pizza Sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Layer the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers to customize this dish.
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey as a healthier alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Tater Tot Pizza Casserole, Comfort Food, Ground Beef Recipe, Tater Tot Bake