Go Back

Pizza Tot Casserole

A fun and easy pizza-inspired casserole featuring crispy tater tots, ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or movie nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey, sausage, or chicken.
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Can substitute with barbecue or alfredo sauce.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots Use fresh potatoes as an alternative.
Optional Toppings
  • pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, green onions, mushrooms Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
  3. 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, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for a few minutes.
Assembly
  1. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture.
  3. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture.
  4. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. If using, add optional toppings and bake for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
  3. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a make-ahead option, prepare the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. May need an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.