Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings, offering a delicious twist on a familiar favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
• 1 medium white onion (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 medium celery ribs (diced)
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 32 ounces frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery for about 12 to 15 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
5. Step 5: Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
• Use different cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use reduced-fat cheese.
• Feel free to add diced mushrooms or corn to the mix for added texture and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking. Keep the tater tots separate until ready to bake for best texture.

Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole?

This casserole freezes well if you assemble it without baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining the rich flavors of classic sloppy joe ground beef with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it layers a savory beef and vegetable mixture with tater tots and cheese, baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sloppy Joe Mixture

• 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium celery ribs, diced
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Topping

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare it for assembling the casserole.
2. Cook beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds to release its flavor.
4. Mix in seasonings: Turn off the heat and add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, ground mustard, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Assemble casserole: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are fully cooked, crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Feel free to add chopped jalapeños for extra spice.
• Use a sharp cheddar cheese for more pronounced flavor.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Tater Tot Casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food