Description

Pizza Tot Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of a classic pizza with crispy tater tots for a fun and hearty meal. Ground beef cooked with onions and marinara sauce is layered with melted mozzarella cheese and topped with golden tater tots, then baked to perfection for a cheesy, crispy finish. This casserole is perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings and can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced

Sauce and Seasoning

2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Main Topping

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings

Pepperoni slices
Olives
Bell pepper, diced
Green onions, sliced
Mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease using a slotted spoon and discard the grease.
Season and Sauce: Return the beef and onions to the skillet if removed. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer to help secure the tater tots.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese and beef mixture, covering as much surface as possible. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots turn golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and bubbles. Monitor the casserole towards the end to avoid burning the tots.
Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle mini pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, or mushrooms on top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes until toppings are warmed through.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the cheese to set slightly and makes serving easier. Enjoy your cheesy pizza-inspired comfort casserole!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms.
Feel free to swap mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor.
Use low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce sodium content if desired.
You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking cold.
Customize toppings based on your favorite pizza ingredients or what you have on hand.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Pizza Tot Casserole, tater tot casserole, pizza casserole, comfort food, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipe