Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan and set the beef aside.

2. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.

Spread the cooked ground beef and sloppy joe mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the meat mixture in a single, even layer. Be sure to cover the entire surface with tater tots for maximum crunch!

4. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.

5. Add Cheese and Bake Again

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, for a burst of color and a fresh bite.

Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a different spin. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sloppy joe filling to boost the flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe sauce for an extra kick. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• Use Different Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can switch things up with other types of cheese. Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend would all add unique flavors to the dish.
• Make It Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• It’s Comforting: With its rich sloppy joe filling, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for those nights when you want something familiar and satisfying.
• It’s Easy: This recipe takes very little time to prepare, and most of the ingredients are things you probably already have in your kitchen. The hands-off baking process makes it a simple dinner solution.
• It’s Kid-Friendly: The combination of tater tots, cheese, and savory beef is a hit with kids, making it a great choice for family dinners. Plus, the fun, casserole format makes it easy for kids to serve themselves.
• It’s Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences. Go for leaner meats, use dairy-free cheese, or add extra veggies to make it just right for your family’s tastes.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, delicious twist on two classic comfort foods, combining the savory, tangy flavors of sloppy joes with the crunch and satisfaction of tater tots. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for busy families, potlucks, or anyone looking for a satisfying, no-fuss meal. With its cheesy, golden topping and hearty filling, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!