Sloppy Joe Tater Tot CasseroleA hearty, family-friendly casserole that combines the bold flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheese.Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want pure comfort food baked into one dish. IntroductionSloppy Joes are an American classic—savory, tangy, and just a little messy. Combine them with a layer of crispy tater tots and gooey cheese,and you’ve got a casserole that’s as fun as it is filling. This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is quick to prep, feeds a crowd,and is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Think of it as the ultimate mash-up of two comfort food favorites. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to become a regularon your weeknight dinner rotation. Author: deesviralCuisine: AmericanCategory: Casserole / Comfort FoodPrep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 35 minutesTotal Time: 50 minutesYield: 6–8 servings Ingredients1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)1 medium onion, finely chopped1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)2 cloves garlic, minced1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce1/2 cup ketchup2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce2 tbsp brown sugar1 tsp chili powder (optional)Salt and pepper, to taste2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater totsFresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Cook beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.Make Sloppy Joe mix: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.Assemble casserole: Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over the top.Layer tots: Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the beef and cheese mixture.Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until tots are golden brown and crispy.Finish: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese over the tots and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.Why This Recipe WorksSloppy Joe sauce: Tangy, savory, and slightly sweet—perfect comfort flavors.Tater tots: Crisp up beautifully in the oven for a crunchy topping.Cheese layers: Gooey melted cheddar ties it all together.Expert TipsUse seasoned frozen tots for extra flavor.Add corn, peas, or black beans to stretch the filling and sneak in more veggies.For spice lovers, add hot sauce or jalapeños to the Sloppy Joe mixture.This casserole freezes well—assemble, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to cook time.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I make this ahead? Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready. What cheese works best? Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or Colby Jack add extra flavor. ADVERTISEMENT Can I make it lighter? Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese, or swap half the tots with cauliflower tots. Estimated Nutrition~420 kcal per serving (estimate, based on 8 servings). Recipe by deesviral.Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is proof that two American classics belong together.Hearty, cheesy, and baked until golden—this is the kind of comfort food you’ll crave again and again.
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
