This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a simple, family-friendly dish that combines the flavors of pizza with crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and loved by kids, adults, and seniors alike. Follow this step-by-step guide to make a delicious, cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
½ cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil for easy cleanup.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any extra fat from the skillet.
- Season and Add Sauce: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pizza sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together well, then remove from heat.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.
- Add Toppings: Evenly scatter the optional black olives, diced green bell pepper, and crumbled turkey bacon over the cheese.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer, covering the entire top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Melt More Cheese: Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6–8
Tips for Success
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap turkey bacon for pepperoni or add other pizza toppings like mushrooms or pepperoni.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is a crowd-pleaser because it’s quick, affordable, and packed with pizza flavors. The crispy tater tots and gooey cheese make it irresistible, while the simple steps ensure anyone can make it, including beginners or elderly cooks. It’s a great option for potlucks, family dinners, or game nights!
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy casserole that brings pizza night to a whole new level!
