Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Now that’s a fun, hearty, and crowd-pleasing dish! Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites: crispy tots and cheesy pizza. It’s easy, customizable, and perfect for a family dinner, game day, or potluck.

Here’s a classic, highly-rated recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:

Base Layer:

• 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 can (8 oz / 225g) tomato sauce (optional, for extra sauciness)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Layer:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional pizza toppings: sliced pepperoni, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, black olives, etc.

Top Layer:

• 1 bag (28–32 oz / 800–900g) frozen Tater Tots

Garnish (optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage or beef with the onion until meat is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Make sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, tomato sauce (if using), oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble casserole:
   • Bottom layer: Spread the meat sauce evenly in the prepared baking dish.
   • Cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of cheddar over the meat. Scatter your chosen pizza toppings (pepperoni, veggies) over the cheese.
   • Top layer: Arrange frozen Tater Tots in a single, snug layer over everything.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
6. Add more cheese: Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan over the Tater Tots.
7. Finish baking: Return to oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until Tater Tots are golden and crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes (it will be molten hot!). Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.