Description
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty comfort-food dinner that layers tangy Sloppy Joe beef filling with melted cheese and crispy golden tater tots. It’s easy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups Sloppy Joe sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (28–32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 cup corn, optional
- 1 cup zucchini, spinach, or other vegetables, optional
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain the excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add optional vegetables if desired. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, preferably in neat rows to help them cook evenly and become crispy.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
- For an extra-crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve hot.
Notes
- Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground meat can replace the beef.
- Cheddar can be substituted with mozzarella, Colby, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Use gluten-free Sloppy Joe sauce and gluten-free tater tots for a gluten-free version.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- For more vegetables, add corn, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers.
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Freeze the assembled casserole tightly covered for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes for the best texture
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Casserole
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1,100 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole, Sloppy Joe casserole, tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy tater tot casserole, easy casserole,