Tater Tot Pizza Casserole: A Cheesy, Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinner

If your family loves pizza and also loves tater tots, this Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is guaranteed to become a new dinnertime favorite. Loaded with gooey cheese, savory beef or sausage, zesty pizza sauce, and a crispy golden tater tot topping, this casserole delivers all the flavors of classic pizza with the cozy comfort of a baked hotdish. Easy, hearty, and customizable, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

This casserole takes everything you love about pizza — melty cheese, flavorful sauce, and your favorite toppings — and layers it with crispy tater tots for a fun, irresistible twist. It’s simple to prepare, customizable for picky eaters, and uses budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

With just a few minutes of prep and one baking dish, you’ll have a satisfying, comforting dinner that both kids and adults will devour. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” meal for nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
1 package frozen tater tots
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, bacon bits

How to Make Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Preheat the Oven:
Heat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Meat:
In a skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the Sauce:
Stir in the pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella (and cheddar, if using) over the top.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the cheese.
Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling.
Add Toppings (Optional):
If using pepperoni or other toppings, add them during the last 5 minutes of baking so they warm up without burning.
Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Make it supreme style by adding peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
For extra cheesy goodness, add a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Final Thoughts

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the perfect combination of quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. With its crispy edges, melty cheese, and bold pizza flavors, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping an easy potluck recipe, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.