Name: Pizza Tot Casserole with a Twist – Cheesey Potatoes Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices; 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Nonstick spray or a little olive oil for the baking dish

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Ever had one of those days when cooking feels like a chore and all you really want is something hearty, cheesy, and no-fuss? That’s exactly why I love this pizza tot casserole. It’s a weeknight hero and a crowd pleaser, all wrapped in one bubbly, golden, delicious dish. This recipe blends the crispy goodness of tater tots with the comforting layers of your favorite pizza toppings—melty cheese, pepperoni, saucy vibes—you name it. It’s like if your childhood freezer aisle favorites and your go-to comfort food had a baby. A delicious, cheesy baby. We’ve made this so many times in my house, and let me tell you, not once has anyone ever complained. My kids? Obsessed. Me? Thrilled I didn’t have to whip up anything fancy. It’s cozy, it’s tasty, and it totally embraces the whole ‘lazy genius’ dinner vibe. If that sounds like your kind of night, you’re gonna love this.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Pizza Tot Casserole
4) How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole
5) Tips for Making Pizza Tot Casserole
6) Making Pizza Tot Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Pizza Tot Casserole
8) Try these casseroles next!
9) Pizza Tot Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This pizza tot casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.
It combines classic pizza flavors with crispy tater tots for ultimate comfort food.
You can easily customize the toppings or swap out ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep too.

2) Easy Pizza Tot Casserole Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there are days when the idea of cooking a full meal feels more like a punishment than a joy. That’s exactly where this pizza tot casserole comes to the rescue. It’s hearty, it’s cheesy, and it’s got that crispy top we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) live for.

I made this casserole for my family on one of those “let’s not order takeout again” nights. What I love about it is the no-fuss attitude. You don’t need to babysit anything on the stove or chop up a hundred ingredients. Just brown the beef, layer it all, bake, and done. It’s comfort in a pan.

This recipe is based on the main keyword cheesey potatoes easy recipe and let me tell you—it delivers on all fronts. It combines the crowd-pleasing vibe of pizza with the nostalgic crunch of tater tots. Even my picky eater went back for seconds.

3) Ingredients for Pizza Tot Casserole

Frozen Tater Tots – I use a whole 32-ounce bag. They crisp up beautifully and form the top crust.

Ground Beef – A pound does the trick. Brown it up with a bit of salt and pepper and you’ve got your base.

Pizza Sauce – One cup of good pizza sauce brings all the Italian flavor you want without needing to make anything from scratch.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – I like to use at least one and a half cups. The more cheese, the merrier, right?

Mini Pepperoni Slices – About half a cup adds that familiar pizza taste. You can use turkey pepperoni too if that’s your thing.

Chopped Green Bell Pepper – It adds color and a little sweetness. A quarter cup is enough.

Chopped Red Onion – For a little zing. You could sauté them first, but I like the sharpness they keep when baked raw.

Dried Oregano – Just half a teaspoon scattered over the top brings the whole pizza vibe home.

Salt and Pepper – You know the drill. Season to taste, but don’t skip them.

Nonstick Spray or Olive Oil – Grease the baking dish so cleanup won’t be a nightmare.

4) How to Make Pizza Tot Casserole

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil.

Step 2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain any grease. Season it with salt and pepper.

Step 3. Stir in the pizza sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors really settle in.

Step 4. Spread the beef mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish. Pat it down lightly to even it out.

Step 5. Arrange the tater tots over the beef. You can go full perfectionist or toss them on however you like. No judgment here.

Step 6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then layer with pepperoni, green bell peppers, red onion, and a sprinkle of oregano.

Step 7. Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes. The cheese should be golden and the tots should be nice and crispy.

Step 8. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it firms up a bit and doesn’t burn your tongue. Not that I’ve made that mistake. (I totally have.)

5) Tips for Making Pizza Tot Casserole

Use quality tater tots. Not all frozen tots crisp the same, so try a brand that you’ve had good luck with. For me, the crispier the better. This is where the main keyword cheesey potatoes easy recipe shines.

If you like a saucier casserole, add an extra half cup of pizza sauce to the beef mixture. It makes everything a bit more ooey-gooey, which we’re all about in this dish.

Don’t skimp on the cheese. I say that lovingly, from one cheese addict to another. You’ll want enough to get that stretchy, melty moment with every bite.

6) Making Pizza Tot Casserole Ahead of Time

Honestly, this casserole is a gift for meal prep. You can assemble the whole thing the night before. Just cover it with foil and store in the fridge.

The next day, pop it in the oven while you handle life. You might need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

This method keeps everything intact, especially those cheesy potato layers. And it gives the flavors time to meld together even more. Win-win.

7) Storing Leftover Pizza Tot Casserole

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat, you can use the microwave if you’re in a rush. But if you want to bring back that crisp, toss it in the oven for 10 minutes at 375°F.

This cheesy dish reheats surprisingly well. That’s another reason it’s one of my go-to cheesey potatoes easy recipe favorites.

8) Try these casseroles next!

9) Pizza Tot Casserole