why make this recipe
Pizza Tot Casserole is the kind of easy, satisfying dish that brings together two universal loves: pizza and tater tots. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. The flavors are familiar, the prep is simple, and it’s forgiving for beginners — making it a great entry point to cozy casserole cooking.
introduction
This beginner-friendly guide walks you through everything you need to know to make Pizza Tot Casserole shine: what ingredients to gather, clear steps for assembly and baking, serving and storage tips, and a few variations to keep it fresh. You don’t need special skills or equipment — just a skillet, a baking dish, and a hungry crowd.
how to make Pizza Tot Casserole
Follow the Directions section below for a step-by-step method, but here’s the quick overview:
- Brown ground beef with diced onion, drain, then simmer briefly with marinara and Italian seasoning.
- Layer beef and sauce in a greased 9×13 baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer, and add remaining cheese.
- Bake until tots are golden and cheese is bubbly; add any optional pizza-style toppings for the final few minutes.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional Toppings: pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms
Directions :
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for accurate baking. An oven thermometer can be helpful. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Greasing the dish will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the ground beef with a spoon as it cooks. Draining any excess grease is important – this will prevent the casserole from being too greasy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked beef and onions from the skillet, leaving any excess grease behind.
Add the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet (or you can add the beef and onion mixture back to the skillet). Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the beef mixture is spread in an even layer so that every bite has the same amount of filling. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. This layer of cheese will help to hold the tater tots in place and create a cheesy base.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture. Try to arrange the tater tots in a way that covers as much of the beef mixture as possible. You can arrange them in neat rows or scatter them randomly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top of the tater tots. This layer of cheese will melt and become bubbly, creating a delicious topping.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time to prevent the tater tots from burning. The edges of the tater tots should be nicely browned.
If desired, add mini pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, or any other pizza toppings over the casserole. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until toppings are heated through. Adding toppings during the last few minutes of baking will prevent them from becoming overcooked or burnt.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Letting the casserole cool slightly will make it easier to serve and prevent it from being too hot. It also allows the cheese to set slightly. Enjoy your pizza-flavored comfort casserole!
how to serve Pizza Tot Casserole
- Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes so it sets for easier slicing.
- Serve straight from the baking dish onto plates or family-style on the table.
- Offer optional condiments like crushed red pepper, garlic butter, or a side of ranch or marinara for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
how to store Pizza Tot Casserole
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble and bake, or assemble unbaked and freeze (tightly wrapped) up to 2 months. If frozen unbaked, bake from frozen and add extra time (about 15–25 minutes) and cover with foil if browning too fast.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, removing cover at the end to crisp the tots.
tips to make Pizza Tot Casserole
- Drain excess grease from the browned beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Use a good-quality marinara or pizza sauce for better flavor with minimal effort.
- For extra crisp tots, bake uncovered and move the casserole to the top rack for the last few minutes.
- For family-style customization, serve toppings on the side so everyone can add their favorites.
- If you prefer less sodium, choose low-sodium marinara and reduced-salt cheese.
variation (if any)
- Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for cooked lentils, plant-based crumbles, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and bell pepper.
- Chicken or Turkey: Use ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken with Italian seasoning and marinara.
- Deluxe Pizza Tot: Layer with sliced pepperoni between the cheese layers and finish with fresh basil.
- White Pizza: Use an Alfredo or ricotta base instead of marinara, add cooked chicken and spinach, and top with mozzarella.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes — assemble in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. If frozen, allow extra bake time.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
A: You can use diced roasted potatoes, but baking times and crispness will vary; par-cook the potatoes first for best results.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze baked portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: How can I make it less greasy?
A: Thoroughly drain the browned beef and blot excess fat from the skillet before combining with sauce.
Conclusion
If you enjoyed this Pizza Tot Casserole and want more approachable, comforting recipes, check out the full collection at the Eat Happy Kitchen Substack Recipe Index.
Pizza Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet, simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over it.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Add optional toppings during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
