Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
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Today’s recipe takes the beloved tater tot casserole and gives it a bold, savory makeover that’s sure to win over the whole family. Instead of the traditional creamy beef base, this version begins with a hearty sloppy joe filling—rich with tomato, a touch of sweetness, and just enough smoky spice to keep things interesting. That flavorful meat mixture is layered with gooey melted cheese, topped with a blanket of crispy golden tater tots, and finished with another handful of cheese that melts into every nook and cranny.
The result is a warm, satisfying dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and new—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting but crave a little variety. It’s also a great choice for potlucks or casual gatherings, where familiar flavors and easy prep are always welcome. Whether served with a simple green salad or just scooped straight from the pan, this casserole is a delicious twist on a classic that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s definitely going in mine now!
If you’re short on time or just want a fun twist, try making a deconstructed version of this Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole. Simply bake the tater tots separately in the oven until they’re golden and crispy, while you whip up the sloppy joe mixture on the stovetop. When everything’s ready, serve it like a build-your-own bowl: layer a handful of hot tater tots on each plate, spoon the savory sloppy joe filling over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese that melts right into the warm layers.
It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for picky eaters or busy weeknights—plus, everyone gets to customize their plate just the way they like it. Add toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños for a little extra flair.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
- GROUND BEEF
- ONION
- RED BELL PEPPER (OR GREEN BELL PEPPER)
- GARLIC
- TOMATO PASTE
- KETCHUP
- WATEE
- BROWN SUGAR
- YELLOW MUSTARD
- CHILI POWDER
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
- SALT
- CHEDDAR CHEESE (I USED A CHEDDAR MONTERREY JACK MIXTURE)
- FROZEN TATER TOTS
Instructions for Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Cook the meat mixture – In a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and bell pepper until the meat is fully cooked and the veggies are softened. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Build the sauce – Add the tomato paste and stir well, letting it cook for another minute to blend into the meat. Then add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 7–9 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the meat nicely.
Prep the casserole – While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Once the meat is ready, transfer it to the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
Add the tater tots – Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheesy meat mixture, leaving a little space between each one so they crisp up nicely.
Bake and finish – Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return the casserole to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy – Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun twist on potluck fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the casserole (minus the final cheese topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. I recommend preparing and freezing the sloppy joe mixture. When ready to serve, thaw the sloppy joe mixture, assemble the casserole, and bake.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely, ground turkey or chicken works well and gives the dish a slightly lighter flavor. Just be sure to season well and cook thoroughly before adding the sauce ingredients.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little kick. A blend of cheeses adds great flavor and meltiness.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
Nope! Use them straight from the freezer. They’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven and hold their shape better than thawed tots.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild warmth from the chili powder and Worcestershire sauce, but it’s not spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or using spicy ketchup or cheese if your family likes a little kick.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes! Diced carrots, corn, or mushrooms would be great additions. Just sauté them with the beef so they’re tender before baking.
What sides go well with this casserole? A simple green salad, steamed veggies, or fruit salad make great pairings. It’s also hearty enough to stand alone for a one-pan dinner.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Tater Tot Tacos
- Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion finely chopped
- ⅓ red bell pepper finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¾ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 10 oz frozen tater tots about 2/3 of a 16 oz bag
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over med/med high heat, brown the beef with the onion and pepper. Drain off any excess grease. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in the tomato paste. Stir well and cook for a minute or so, until the tomato paste is well incorporated.
- Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir well to combine. Simmer for about 7-9 minutes, until mixture has thickened.
- Meanwhile preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Remove the meat mixture from heat and to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top with 1 cup of cheese. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sloppy joe mixture, leaving a little space between each tot.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes, until tater tots are cooked through and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and return to the oven and bake another 5-7 minutes or until melted.
- Remove from oven and serve. Serves 6.
Notes
This recipe is adapted from The Chunky Chef.
