You will love this Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole especially if you enjoy traditional Sloppy Joes. This recipe captures the classic flavor without the buns! We have made this in our house several times and it’s always a hit. It’s even great for potlucks, too.
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The Sloppy Joe sauce is wonderfully balanced. It is savory with a hint of sweetness, tang, and umami that rounds out the entire dish. It pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of the tots.
If you would like more Sloppy Joe ideas, you will love this Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread and these healthier Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes!
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe & Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- One skillet dinner: This entire recipe is made entirely in an oven-proof skillet to make life easier.
- Easy to make: Minimal effort is required for this recipe. Prep takes only about 10 minutes!
- Balanced flavors: If you want a tasty yet balanced meal, this one hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
Here are all the components needed for this tater tot Sloppy Joe casserole. It’s made of simple and affordable ingredients that you can find at any store.
- Beef: We like to use lean ground beef in this recipe so there’s not a lot of excess grease or a fatty flavor. When cooking the beef, ensure you brown it well for extra depth of flavor.
- Veggies: We chose green bell pepper and yellow onion but feel free to use another color pepper like red or orange for extra sweetness. White onion also works well here, too.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an amazing aroma and just takes the flavors of the meat mixture up a notch.
- Ketchup: For richness and acidity, ketchup is key. The subtle tomato flavor also adds depth and pairs well with the brown sugar.
- Brown sugar: We love the caramel notes of brown sugar in this recipe. It also helps to thicken the sauce.
- Mustard: The tangy flavor of yellow mustard is great for balance. You may also use spicy brown or Dijon mustard if you like.
- Worcestershire sauce: The umami flavor of Worcestershire sauce is the key to a great Sloppy Joe.
- Spices: We use black pepper, chili powder, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Not only do seasonings like salt bring out the flavors but chili powder and paprika add a smokiness to the homemade sloppy joe sauce.
- Cheese: The sharp cheddar cheese doesn’t overpower the Sloppy Joe mixture but it doesn’t get lost like a mild cheese would which is why we love it best!
- Tater tots: Any brand of tater tots would be perfect. Just add them to the top and they get perfectly crispy in the oven. There is no need to thaw them. You can add them straight from the freezer.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Meat-less: Try this recipe with a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add veggies: Use sliced mushrooms, corn, and more bell peppers to pack the dish with more veggies and nutrients.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the spice mix, use diced chiles, and top the casserole with shredded pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole With Tater Tots
Before you start your prep, ensure that you preheat your oven to 425 degrees F so it is nice and hot when the skillet is ready. This will set you up for success and minimize wait time!
Step 1: Brown the beef. Cook the beef in a heated skillet for about 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink.
Step 2: Cook the veggies. Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until they are soft.
Step 3: Add the remaining Sloppy Joe ingredients. Add the garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce cook for 6-8 minutes or until it thickens.
Step 4: Add the cheese. Stir a cup of cheese into the meat mixture and then sprinkle the rest on top.
Step 5: Top with tots. Arrange the tater tots on top of the skillet until it is fully covered.
Step 6: Bake. Put it in the oven and bake it for 30-35 minutes or until the top is crispy.
Hint: Drain the grease!
After you brown the ground beef, drain any excess grease before you add the onions and peppers. This will prevent the mixture from becoming too fatty and greasy.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: You may reheat an individual portion in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350-degree F oven until warm.
- Make Ahead of Time: Prepare the tater tot casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake it when you are ready to eat it. Pull the casserole out about thirty minutes before baking, and add the tater tots and remaining cheese just before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- We love bread to soak up the extra sauce! Try our homemade Sheet Pan Breadsticks or these simple Dinner Rolls.
- A garden side salad or Cucumber and Tomato Salad would be a great, fresh side option to pair with this Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe.
- Serve a delicious dessert like these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies or a freshly baked Peach Pie after enjoying this Sloppy Joe and Tater tot casserole.
Expert Tips
- Bake it later: Prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator so you have them ready to bake later.
- Add garnishes: Finish the baked Sloppy Joe casserole with chopped green onions and sour cream for color.
- Don’t overcook the sauce: Do not cook the sauce too much on the stovetop so it doesn’t over-reduce.
- No oven save skillet: If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you may transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish before you add the tots.
More Delicious Beef Dishes
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Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ⅓ cup green bell pepper seeded and diced
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 28 ounces bag of frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until browned, breaking up the ground beef with a spatula.
- Add onions and green peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they become soft.
- Add garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until combined and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in 1 cup of cheese into the sloppy joe mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Top with the tater tots and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots reach your desired crispiness.
- Server while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Bake it later: Prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator so you have them ready to bake later.
- Add garnishes: Finish the baked Sloppy Joe casserole with chopped green onions and sour cream for color.
- Don’t overcook the sauce: Do not cook the sauce too much on the stovetop so it doesn’t over-reduce.
- Use a casserole dish: If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you may transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish before you add the tots.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
If you are looking for a recipe that the kids will beg for this is it.