Easy and Delicious Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, this pizza tater tot casserole is the mouthwatering dish you didn’t know you needed. Crispy tots, gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings come together in one irresistible bake. Ready to find your new weeknight favorite? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 30 to 40 pepperoni slices
• 1 bag frozen tater tots
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cheese grater
• Measuring spoons
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures those tater tots come out crispy on top while the inside stays gooey and cheesy.
2. Step 2: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. This lays down a sweet base note of flavor that makes the beef sing.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up using your spatula or spoon and brown it completely, about 6 to 8 minutes. Be patient and let the beef really develop some color—it brings out that delicious savory flavor.
4. Step 4: Drain any excess fat, then season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the pizza sauce, letting everything come together in a rich, cozy sauce. This is the heart of your casserole.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it is level for even baking.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the beef layer. Don’t be shy—you want those bubbly pull-apart cheese strands in every bite.
7. Step 7: Layer the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese, overlapping slightly if needed. This is the pizza moment that pulls it all together.
8. Step 8: Top with frozen tater tots, arranging them in tight rows. Neat rows help the tots crisp up evenly and give that golden top layer we love.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheesy layers below are bubbling happily.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting in. This little pause lets everything settle just enough for perfect slicing.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day? This pizza tater tot casserole is a dream team of two American classics: the gooey cheesiness of pizza and the crispy golden delight of tater tots. Perfectly layered with savory ground beef, rich pizza sauce, stretchy mozzarella cheese, and topped with a crunchy blanket of tots, every bite is a flavor-packed celebration.

Imagine digging your fork into a bubbling casserole where the melted cheese clings to spicy pepperoni and the smell is straight out of your favorite pizza parlor. The tater tots on top get irresistibly crispy while soaking in delicious pizza flavor from below. It is like something your childhood self would create in a dream—and your adult self will thank you for making in real life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza tater tot casserole is incredibly easy to prepare—just a handful of ingredients and a simple bake in the oven makes it weeknight-friendly and family-approved. It is a recipe that works for busy schedules without compromising on flavor or fun.

The versatility is another win. You can customize it like your favorite pizza, starting with a classic combination or adding extras like mushrooms, olives, or sausage. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a perfect option for leftovers or meal prep.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this casserole piping hot straight from the oven with a light side salad or some steamed veggies to balance the richness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes.

You can freeze this casserole as well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain a crispy top.

Recipe Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

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