Name: Pizza Tot Casserole: The Kid-Approved, Crispy-Edged Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491716H32M1S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or mild, casings removed); 1 jar (14-16 oz) thick pizza/marinara sauce; 1 large bell pepper, diced (green for classic supreme look, red for sweetness); 1 small onion, diced (yellow or white); 3-4 oz pepperoni slices, divided (half chopped, half whole); 32 oz frozen tater tots; 2 cups shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried basil and oregano blend)

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Introduction

What happens when you collide America’s favorite comfort food with America’s favorite takeout order? You get a dinner solution that solves the “picky eater” crisis instantly. This Pizza Tot Casserole combines savory sausage, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots for a satisfying, kid-friendly weeknight win.

The dish is a baked casserole served in a white square baking dish, showing three visible layers. The bottom layer appears to be a red, thick tomato sauce, spread evenly. The middle layer consists of golden brown tater tots arranged tightly around the edge and under the top layers, giving a crispy texture. The top layer is covered with melted white and orange cheese, with round, reddish-brown pepperoni slices scattered evenly on top. There are small green herb sprinkles spread across the whole surface, adding a touch of color and freshness. The baked cheese looks bubbly and slightly browned in some spots, showing a hot and melted texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or mild)
1 jar (14-16 oz) pizza sauce (thick marinara)
1 large bell pepper, diced (green or red)
1 small onion, diced (yellow or white)
3-4 oz pepperoni slices, divided
32 oz frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried basil and oregano blend)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain the grease thoroughly to avoid an oily casserole.
Step 2: Stir in the pizza sauce, half of the chopped pepperoni slices, and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Let it bubble for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Pour the meat and sauce mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the hot meat sauce to create a barrier that prevents sogginess.
Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, placing them in neat rows to ensure even crispiness.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the tots are deep golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and leftover pepperoni slices over the crispy tots. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the pepperoni edges. Finish by topping with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage, adding fennel seeds and extra garlic powder to mimic the pizza flavor.
Double the bell peppers and add chopped mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
Use cauliflower or broccoli tots to reduce carbs for a low-carb or keto-friendly casserole.
Choose certified gluten-free pizza sauce and tots for a gluten-free option.
Arrange tots in neat rows rather than dumping to help them crisp evenly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat best in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp the tots, or in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes the tots soft and chewy. You can freeze the baked casserole; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered with foil in the oven before uncovering to crisp.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered tater tot casserole sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of browned tater tots arranged tightly around the edges, golden and crispy. Inside, a thick layer of melted white and yellow cheese blends with shredded cooked meat, covered by a rich red tomato sauce. On top, even slices of shiny, reddish-brown pepperoni are scattered, with a light sprinkle of green herbs adding color. The cheese is gooey and browned in spots, showing a hot, fresh bake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

Yes. Use lean ground beef (90/10), but add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and extra Italian seasoning during browning to enhance the flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat sauce base in advance and refrigerate it, but do not add the frozen tots until you’re ready to bake. If tots thaw on the sauce, they become soggy.