The Best Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole – Ready in 30 Minutes
Looking for a fun, family-friendly dinner? This Cheesy Pizza Tot Casserole is loaded with crispy tater tots, gooey melted cheese, savory pizza sauce, and all your favorite toppings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or game-day treat. Easy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef (or sausage, turkey, or plant-based crumbles)
- 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra if desired)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, etc.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Sauce: Pour in pizza sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Layer Base: Spread half the tater tots in the casserole dish. Pour meat mixture on top. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
- Add Toppings: Scatter pizza toppings evenly.
- Finish Layers: Top with remaining tater tots and the rest of the cheese.
- Bake: Place uncovered in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are golden.
- Garnish & Serve: Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Crispier Tots: Pre-bake tater tots for 10 minutes before assembling.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble unbaked casserole, cover with foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.
- Variations: Try BBQ chicken style, buffalo ranch, Tex-Mex with taco-seasoned beef, or veggie-loaded versions.
- Kid-Friendly Tip: Keep it classic with just pepperoni and mozzarella for picky eaters.