Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

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If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s quick to assemble and guaranteed to please the whole family, this Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole is the perfect solution. It combines the rich, savory flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with the crispy, golden crunch of tater tots—all baked into one cheesy, irresistible dish.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• A nostalgic twist on a childhood favorite

• Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings

• Easy, affordable ingredients

• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

• Topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Savory base of the sloppy joe mixture, adding heartiness and protein.

• Onion & Green Bell Pepper (1 each, chopped): Classic sloppy joe veggies that bring sweetness and a little crunch.

• Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Forms the rich, saucy backbone of the dish.

• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.

• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Brings depth and umami to the mix.

• Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the acidity with a hint of sweetness.

• Mustard Powder (1 tsp): Adds a tangy zip and rounds out the flavor profile.

• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning balance.

• Frozen Tater Tots (4 cups): Crispy topping that brings texture and comfort-food vibes.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey goodness over the top.

Tips and Tricks

• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease.

• Customize the veggies by adding mushrooms, corn, or jalapeños.

• Add a kick with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

• Meal prep friendly – assemble the night before and bake when ready.

Variations and Customizations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.

• Make it Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese.

• Vegetarian version: Substitute lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

• Add pickles or coleslaw on the side for classic Sloppy Joe flavor contrast.

• Great with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer for adults.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until hot.

• Freeze: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of tomato sauce?

You can substitute crushed tomatoes or even ketchup for a slightly sweeter variation.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and certified gluten-free tater tots.

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole – A family-friendly mashup of savory Sloppy Joes, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots, baked to golden perfection. Easy, cheesy, and totally comforting!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 cups frozen tater tots

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Beef and Veggies

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper.

• Stir occasionally until beef is browned and vegetables are softened (about 5–7 minutes).

• Drain excess fat.

3. Make the Sloppy Joe Filling

• Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet.

• Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

• Arrange frozen tater tots on top in a single, even layer.

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

• Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve hot

Notes

• Be sure the tater tots are baked until crispy for the best texture.

• For a cheesier casserole, add an extra layer of cheese under the tater tots.

• Great for feeding a crowd—just double the recipe for a party-size portion.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

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