why make this recipe
I love this Pizza Tot Casserole because it hits all the cozy notes. It is simple. It tastes like pizza in a warm, family-style dish. Kids smile. Adults smile. It feeds a crowd with almost no fuss. I sometimes serve it with a bowl of bacon-cheddar gnocchi soup when we want a full comfort-food night.
how to make Pizza Tot Casserole: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food Heaven
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
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line with parchment if you like for easy cleanup.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Stir and break the beef into small pieces. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease. Use a slotted spoon to lift the beef and onion out.
Add the marinara sauce back to the skillet with the beef and onion. Stir in the Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer a couple of minutes. The sauce will thicken and taste brighter. This comfort-style method reminds me of hearty skillet dinners like Cajun steak tips with cheesy rigatoni.
Spread the beef and sauce evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the meat. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top. Try to cover most of the surface. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the tots.
Bake for 25–30 minutes. Watch for golden, crispy tater tots and bubbly cheese. If you like toppings, scatter pepperoni, olives, or peppers on top and bake 5 more minutes just to warm them through.
Let the casserole cool a few minutes before serving. The cheese will set slightly and slices will hold better.
how to serve Pizza Tot Casserole: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food Heaven
Serve slices straight from the dish. Add a simple green salad for brightness. I also like to set out extra toppings so everyone can customize. This pairs nicely with hearty sides like cheesy ranch potatoes with smoked sausage for a true comfort spread.
how to store Pizza Tot Casserole: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food Heaven
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to 3–4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Reheat a full dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. If you like make-ahead dinners, try pairing leftovers with a simple pasta like creamy tomato garlic pasta for another weeknight meal.
tips to make Pizza Tot Casserole: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food Heaven
Use lean ground beef to limit grease. Drain well after browning. Spread the beef in an even layer so every bite has filling. Don’t overcrowd the tater tots; one neat layer crisps best. Swap half the mozzarella for cheddar if you want extra tang. For a faster prep, use pre-diced onions. If you love rich tomato flavors, try this alongside our lighter creamy tomato garlic pasta for contrast.
variation (if any)
Make it vegetarian by using browned mushrooms and crumbled plant-based sausage. Swap ground beef for cooked shredded chicken and use barbecue sauce for a BBQ-tot casserole twist. Turn it into a breakfast bake by adding cooked breakfast sausage and a sprinkle of cheddar before baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and cover the dish. Refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from cold.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: You can. Par-cook diced potatoes until tender, then layer them on top. Expect a slightly different texture and longer bake time.
Q: Will the casserole be soggy if I use a lot of sauce?
A: Too much sauce can make the bottom softer. Use the listed amount and drain excess grease from the beef. The cheese layer helps protect the filling from sogginess.
More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest
Print
Pizza Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy and simple casserole that combines all the flavors of pizza with crispy tater tots, perfect for feeding a crowd.
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
Instructions
- 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 for 5–7 minutes until browned; drain excess grease.
- Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spread the beef and sauce evenly in the prepared dish and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the meat.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the tots.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and cheese is bubbly; add optional toppings and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added comfort, serve with a simple green salad and extra toppings for customization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pizza, casserole, comfort food, family meal
