Pizza Tot Casserole

Brighten up any weeknight with a spin on the classic: Pizza Tot Casserole. It’s a mashup of pizza’s bold flavor and crunchy tater tots—all tossed into one dish. Every bite has seasoned beef, gooey cheese, a pop of potato, plus that rich pizza sauce. It’s hearty, cozy, and never boring. After plenty of homemade dinners with the family, I can confirm this is my go-to when there’s a crowd. My kids, who first loved it for the tot layer, now ask for it every time their birthday rolls around.

Perfect Ingredient Picks

Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella—melts better, tastes creamier Pizza Sauce: Thicker sauce means no soggy layers—look for one you love Pizza Seasoning: Blend up garlic, basil, and oregano for that right-on pizzeria vibe Tater Tots: Grab good frozen tots—they bake up golden every time Bell Peppers: Toss in fresh, crunchy peppers for flavor and pop of color Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 beef for juicy layers and plenty of taste

How to Build It

Bake It Just Right Slide your casserole in the oven until the cheese bubbles and everything smells amazing. Add Layers Made to Impress Lay down the meat, scatter cheese, top with tots—make each layer count. Start With Sizzle Brown your beef evenly in a skillet and get those seasonings right. Get Fancy With Toppings Once everything’s stacked up, sprinkle on more cheese and your favorite extras. Mix in the Flavor Stir the beef with pizza sauce and swirl in all those seasonings.

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My mom always said the secret’s in the layers—don’t just toss everything together. That little trick is what makes this one stand out, time and again.

Take It Further

Pair this filling dish with a fresh Caesar salad, toasty breadsticks, or garlicky broccoli. Want to perk it up? Throw extra pizza toppings on the table so everyone can finish their own the way they like.

Switch Things Up

Swap out the beef for Italian sausage, toss in other cheese combos, or try it breakfast style with eggs and sausage. Want it meatless? Sauté a bunch of veggies and mushrooms and use those instead.

Stay Delicious

Pop any leftovers into a sealed container—they’ll keep in the fridge for three days. Heat them back up in the oven (350°F is good), so the tots stay crunchy. The microwave works, but it’ll make things mushier. Cooking for a whole crew? This tot bake has become my trusty ace in the hole. Old favorites taste brand new, and it never fails to make everyone happy. It’s a mainstay at my table now.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Totally! Put together the meat and cheese mix, leave the tots off till you’re ready to bake so they stay crunchy.

→ How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Just don’t pile them up. Spread them one layer across and make sure your oven’s hot—400°F is the sweet spot.

→ Can I use different meat?

Go for it! Swap in turkey, sausage, or layer on pepperoni. Or skip the meat and load up extra veggies instead.

→ What's the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella melts great and nails the pizza vibe, but tossing in some cheddar is awesome too. Pretty much any cheese that melts does the trick.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in the fridge with a lid for up to 3 days. Warm them back up in the oven so the tots stay crisp, not soggy.