Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a fun twist on a classic comfort food, combining sweet and tangy sloppy joe filling with crispy golden tater tots and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether baked as a full casserole or served deconstructed, it’s a warm, satisfying dish that brings familiar flavors with a fresh spin.
Servings 6 servings
Calories
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
For a quicker variation of this dish, make a deconstructed version. Cook the tater tots in the oven while you prepare the sloppy joe mixture. To serve, place some of the tater tots on a plate, top with the sloppy joe mixture, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.