If you’re like me and love comfort food that brings everyone to the table with smiles, then this Cheesy Slice of Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is going to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s cheesy, savory, and has all the fun flavors of pizza wrapped up in a hearty casserole — plus the crispy bite of tater tots on top.
I make this dish when I want something easy, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a game-day meal, or a fun weekend indulgence, this casserole never fails to deliver. And the best part? It’s completely customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
Let me show you how I make this cheesy crowd-pleaser that disappears every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this casserole has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:
- Quick and easy to assemble – Most of the prep is simply layering ingredients.
- Kid-approved – Tater tots and pizza flavors? You can’t go wrong.
- Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings and make it your own.
- Perfect for leftovers – It reheats beautifully and makes for an easy next-day lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)
- 1 bag of frozen tater tots
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or any favorite pizza additions
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when the casserole is ready to bake.
2. Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
3. Stir in Pizza Sauce and Seasoning
Add the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning to the cooked meat. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
In a large casserole dish, spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom.
5. Layer the Tater Tots
Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture. No need to thaw them — they’ll bake up crispy and golden in the oven.
6. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the tater tots. I like to make sure every bit is covered because more cheese equals more deliciousness.
7. Top with Pepperoni
Lay sliced pepperoni over the cheese. Feel free to get creative and add other pizza toppings like bell peppers, black olives, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
8. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve warm and enjoy that gooey, cheesy, pizza-inspired goodness in every bite.
My Favorite Tips for the Best Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
- Use Italian sausage for extra flavor – It adds a little spice and depth.
- Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese can have additives that prevent smooth melting.
- Add veggies for a balanced bite – Bell peppers and mushrooms add a nice contrast to the richness.
- For crispy tater tots – Broil for the last 2 minutes if you like an extra crunchy top layer.
- Double the recipe – It’s easy to make in a larger pan for parties or big family gatherings.
How I Like to Serve It
This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with:
- A fresh green salad with Italian dressing
- Garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy goodness
- Pickles or pepperoncini on the side for a little tang
- Ranch or marinara sauce as a dipping option for kids (and adults!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Sure! Just skip the meat and load up with sautéed veggies and extra cheese for a delicious veggie version.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Try adding Parmesan, provolone, or pepper jack for extra flavor layers.
A Fun, Cheesy Dish Everyone Will Love
This Cheesy Slice of Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is one of those recipes that brings comfort, flavor, and a little fun to the table. Whether you’re making it for a casual family night or feeding a crowd, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The crispy tater tots, savory meat, melted cheese, and bold pizza flavors make every bite feel indulgent — and honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one serving.
If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear if you added your favorite toppings or came up with a creative twist. This dish is all about making it your own and enjoying every cheesy forkful.
Cheesy Slice of Pizza Tater Tot Casserole – A Fun Family Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the meat mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Layer the pepperoni slices over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the pepperoni.
- Top with a layer of frozen tater tots, arranging them evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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