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Freshly baked pizza tot casserole in a black baking dish, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and evenly spaced pepperoni slices, resting on a red and white checkered cloth with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the background.

Pizza Tot Casserole

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.
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Equipment

  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl (optional)
  • Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
  • Spatula or large spoon

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 9x13-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.