Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this: Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is everything you love about a slice of pepperoni pizza and the crispy bite of tater tots merged into one bubbly, cheesy, family-pleasing main dish. This easy casserole layers flavorful ground beef, gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and golden-brown tater tots, topped off with everyone’s favorite party topping—pepperoni—for a crave-worthy meal that’s weeknight friendly, easy to customize, and totally irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike.

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of familiar ingredients to bring Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole to life, but each one brings something important to the party. From the savory beef to the stretchy cheese and, of course, the crispy tots, every element delivers something special in taste, texture, or color.

Frozen tater tots (1 bag, 32 ounces): The star of the casserole, these get perfectly crispy on top and make every bite extra comforting.
Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and savory richness as the meaty base of your casserole.
Pepperoni slices (1/2 cup): For that classic pizza topping goodness in every bite—feel free to add more if you love extra pepperoni!
Diced bell peppers (1/2 cup): They bring color, sweetness, and a tasty crunch to every serving.
Diced onion (1/2 cup): Adds flavor depth and an aromatic quality that makes this casserole taste like homemade pizza.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey perfection for that quintessential pizza cheese pull.
Pizza sauce (1 cup): Tangy, herby, and just the right amount of sauciness to tie everything together.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A must for that authentic pizza shop flavor blend of herbs.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the savoriness, giving the casserole a garlicky undertone that balances everything.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a pop of zesty heat for anyone who loves a little spice (totally optional, but delicious).
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): For a sharp, salty finish on top that tastes like pizzeria perfection.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Makes your Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole extra vibrant and fresh just before serving.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your tater tot base will crisp up beautifully and the casserole will be easy to serve. Trust me, you don’t want any of that golden goodness sticking to the pan!

Step 2: Cook the Beef, Peppers, and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers together until the beef is browned and the veggies have softened. Drain off any excess grease—it keeps things less heavy and helps the flavors shine without getting greasy.

Step 3: Add the Pizza Flavors

Stir in your pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and, if you like a bit of a kick, the red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer together for a minute or two so those pizza flavors really meld into the beef and veggies.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the saucy beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top—this first layer melts into the beef beneath the tater tots and pulls everything together in a cheesy hug.

Step 5: Add Tater Tots and Bake

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese and beef mixture. Pop the whole thing into the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. The tots will transform from frozen pillows into a crispy, golden topping.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni

After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and scatter the remaining mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, and all those glorious pepperoni slices over the top. Return it to the oven for about 10 more minutes, until everything is melty, bubbly, and happily united.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Serve hot and get ready for that first cheesy, pepperoni-studded forkful—Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole never fails to wow!

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

I love showering the top of the casserole with a bit more fresh parsley or even some extra Italian seasoning. If you’re feeling bold, a few more red pepper flakes or a dusting of grated Parmesan can add just the right final touch.

Side Dishes

Balance out the ooey-gooey richness with a simple crisp green salad, garlic breadsticks, or some roasted veggies. Each makes a perfect pairing to round out your Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings—kids go wild for their own mini Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole! Or scoop it onto a large platter for family-style serving that encourages everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavor only gets better as everything melds together.

Freezing

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is very freezer-friendly! Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil or portion it into freezer containers, and it’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy (about 15-20 minutes for a whole pan). You can also use an air fryer to refresh individual portions—this keeps those tots nice and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer. Each protein brings its own unique twist to the Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the meat and pack in more veggies instead—think mushrooms, black olives, spinach, or even zucchini. Simply sauté your chosen vegetables until tender and carry on as directed.

Are there other pizza toppings I can add?

That’s the beauty of this recipe! Feel free to toss in your favorites—jalapeños, sliced black olives, extra cheese, or even pineapple for the adventurous. The Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole loves variety!

Why are my tater tots not getting crispy?

Be sure to arrange your tots in a single layer and don’t cover the baking dish—the uncovered bake ensures maximum crispiness. For an extra crunch, you can always broil the casserole for a minute or two at the end.

Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to the first bake (with the tots on top), then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if going straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s bursting with cheesy, saucy comfort, you simply have to try Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole. It’s a playful mashup that will quickly become a hit in your regular rotation—grab those ingredients and treat your table to a dish everyone will be talking about!

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a fun twist on the classic pizza, featuring layers of tater tots, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and pepperoni slices baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and satisfying family-friendly dish that’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tot Layer:

1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots

Beef and Veggie Layer:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup diced onion

Cheese and Sauces:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pizza sauce

Seasonings and Toppings:

1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and bell peppers until browned. Drain excess grease.
Season the beef: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Layer the casserole: Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and arrange tater tots in a single layer.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices on top. Bake for another 10 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving hot.