First things first—THANK YOU for being here! Whether you’ve been following along on my recipe adventures or you just stumbled across this one, I’m so happy to share this with you. This one is especially close to my heart because it brings together two of my all-time comfort food loves: pizza and tater tots. Yes, friends—Pizza Tot Casserole is a thing, and it’s everything.
If you’re someone who craves gooey cheese, crispy edges, savory pepperoni, and golden tater tots all baked into one mouthwatering bite, you’re in the right place. Let’s make dinner something to actually look forward to!
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Why You’ll Love This Pizza Tot Casserole
This recipe is what weeknight dreams are made of: easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and practically guaranteed to be a hit with adults and kids alike. It’s hearty enough for dinner and playful enough for parties or game day spreads.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a forkful of crispy tater tots topped with gooey mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy-edged pepperoni. It’s savory, cheesy, crunchy, and slightly saucy—basically, everything great about pizza and tots, rolled into one irresistible bake.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-pan wonder—less mess, more flavor!
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- Kid-approved and adult-loved
- Super flexible—you can add your favorite toppings
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowl (for toppings, optional)
- Cheese grater (if using block mozzarella)
- Spatula or large spoon
Add-Ins and Substitutions
Feeling creative? Here are a few tasty twists:
- Veggies: Try mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, or black olives
- Protein: Add cooked sausage, diced chicken, or even bacon
- Cheese: Swap in cheddar, provolone, or a pizza cheese blend
- Sauce: Use marinara or even a spicy arrabbiata if you like heat
How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your casserole dish lightly with cooking spray.
- Layer the base: Spread the tater tots in a single layer in your baking dish.
- Bake the tots for 20 minutes until they begin to crisp up slightly.
- Add sauce and toppings: Remove from oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over the tots. Sprinkle with half the cheese, then top with pepperoni and any other desired toppings.
- Top and bake again: Finish with the rest of the cheese and sprinkle on Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Add fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan if you like, and serve immediately!
What to Serve with Pizza Tot Casserole
- A crisp Caesar or garden salad
- Garlic breadsticks or cheesy pull-apart rolls
- Roasted or steamed veggies for balance
Tips for the Best Results
- Bake the tater tots a little before adding sauce and toppings to keep them crispy.
- Use a pizza blend cheese for an extra punch of flavor.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture, or microwave for convenience.
Freezing? Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely. Alfredo or pesto make great alternatives for a fun flavor twist.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Just skip the meat toppings and load up on veggies and extra cheese!
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Tot Casserole is cozy, crave-worthy, and perfect for just about any occasion. It’s family-friendly, fun to eat, and flexible enough to make it your own. If you’ve got a bag of tots and a pizza craving? You know what to do!
Looking for more ways to use your favorite pizza flavors? You’ll love these too:
- Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
- Cheesy Pizza-Stuffed Garlic Rolls
- Mini Pizza Quiche Cups
Share the Love
Tried this recipe? I’d LOVE to see it! Leave a review below and don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest so I can share your cheesy creations with the world!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Let’s make dinner something to get excited about again—starting with this epic Pizza Tot Casserole!
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Pizza Tot Casserole
Description
This Pizza Tot Casserole brings together crispy golden tater tots, zesty pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoni in one irresistible dish. It’s a quick-prep, kid-approved, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz bag frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: fresh basil (red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Spread tater tots in a single layer in the prepared dish.
- Bake tater tots for 20 minutes to begin crisping.
- Remove from oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over the tots.
- Sprinkle with half the mozzarella, then layer with pepperoni and any additional toppings.
- Top with remaining cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Return to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
Customize with veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or olives.
For extra protein, add cooked sausage or diced chicken.
Let casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze: assemble casserole before final bake, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.
