If you crave cozy comfort food with a playful twist, let me introduce you to the Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole! This dish has everything a weeknight casserole should: gooey cheese, crispy tater tots, and all the pepperoni pizza flavors you love, wrapped up in a crowd-pleasing bake. It’s satisfying, irresistibly cheesy, and, best of all, super simple to throw together—making it the dinner hero every busy cook dreams of!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is a no-fuss list, but each ingredient earns its spot. From the first bite, you’ll taste layers of flavor that blend together to create a symphony of pizza night goodness. Don’t be shy—these basics yield delicious results!
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the onions and garlic get perfectly golden.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the base—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Because every great pizza-inspired dish deserves its garlicky kick.
- Ground beef: Classic, hearty, and packed with flavor; perfect for a filling casserole.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances the savory flavors and brings everything together.
- Italian seasoning: Pizza’s best friend—this blend infuses herby notes in every bite.
- Pizza sauce: Tomato-packed and zesty; look for a quality jar (or homemade) for fresh flavor.
- Mini pepperoni: The star topping—choose minis for perfectly cheesy, meaty bites.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic pizza stretch and dreamy, melted layer.
- Frozen tater tots: The potato crown that bakes up crisp and golden on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A savory, salty finish that pulls every element together.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the casserole bakes up evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—you want those cheesy bits to lift right out without any sticking or scrubbing later.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Set a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, and let it warm up. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds; this quick step brings a warm aroma and full-bodied flavor to your Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef with Seasonings
Add the ground beef directly to your onion-garlic mixture. Break it up with a spatula and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is fully browned—stirring often—and drain off any excess fat so you’re left with just the good stuff.
Step 4: Stir in Pizza Sauce and Pepperoni
Lower the heat and stir in the pizza sauce and half a cup of mini pepperoni slices. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, so those iconic pizza flavors mingle into every bite of the beef.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef and pepperoni mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese across the top, giving it that gooey foundation. Next, arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer—it’s okay if they overlap slightly! Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella, scatter a handful of extra mini pepperoni slices, and finish with a flourish of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots turn beautifully golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling and melty. Give it 5 minutes to rest before digging in—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add flavor and sparkle. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over your Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole just before serving for a pop of color and herby freshness. A quick dusting of extra Parmesan or a little cracked black pepper always delights, too.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with something bright and light. A simple green salad with zippy Italian dressing balances those cheesy, savory flavors. Garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or a fresh tomato salad work beautifully alongside for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests (or just want a fun weeknight surprise), try scooping the casserole into small ramekins for individualized “mini” Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casseroles. Another fun idea: offer a DIY topping bar with olives, red pepper flakes, or chopped peppers—let everyone personalize their own slice of comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole keeps wonderfully! Store cooled casseroles in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors really meld and get even better overnight.
Freezing
For a future family dinner win, you can also freeze the baked (and fully cooled) casserole in portions or whole. Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap; it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Label with the date so you don’t lose track!
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave until piping hot, or for best texture, bake leftovers at 350°F (175°C) in the oven until warmed through and the tots re-crisp. If frozen, let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for even results.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic, lighter alternative that still soaks up all those pizza flavors. You can also swap in sausage for a spicier twist—go with your family’s favorite protein.
What if I don’t have mini pepperoni?
No worries—you can use regular pepperoni slices and chop them into smaller pieces, or substitute turkey pepperoni. Even salami works in a pinch for a more grown-up version of Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole.
Is it possible to assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake right before dinner. Add about 5 extra minutes to the bake time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.
Can I add veggies to the casserole?
Definitely. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even black olives tuck right in with the beef mixture, giving extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the beef.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
For ultimate crispiness, arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer, and don’t overload with cheese on top. If you want extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—just keep an eye so nothing burns.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a satisfying weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing game night dinner, or just want to rediscover the fun of a classic casserole, Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole won’t let you down. It’s hearty, playful, and wonderfully customizable, making it a favorite in my kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready for cheesy grins all around!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. It combines the flavors of a pepperoni pizza with the crispy texture of tater tots in a satisfying casserole dish that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (plus extra for topping)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add pizza sauce and mini pepperoni.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the mozzarella over the meat mixture in the baking dish. Top with tater tots, remaining mozzarella, extra pepperoni slices, and Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until tater tots are crispy and cheese is melted. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Ground turkey or sausage can be substituted for the beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
