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Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

This comforting casserole combines savory sloppy joes with crispy tater tots and melty cheese for a delicious family meal or potluck dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, comfort food, Potluck, Sloppy Joe, Tater Tot
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

For the beef mixture

  • 1 lb 1 lb lean ground beef Rich and savory, providing a satisfying base.
  • 1 small 1 small onion, diced Sweet and aromatic, bringing depth to the dish.
  • 1 large 1 green bell pepper, diced Crisp and vibrant, adding a delightful crunch.
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced Pungent and earthy, providing an aromatic boost.
  • 15 oz 15 oz tomato sauce Smooth and tangy, creating a saucy embrace for the beef.
  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce Bold and flavorful, enhancing the umami.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp yellow mustard Zesty and sharp, cutting through the richness.
  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp brown sugar Sweet and caramelized, balancing the flavors beautifully.
  • ½ tsp ½ tsp salt Essential seasoning, bringing out the best in all ingredients.
  • ¼ tsp ¼ tsp black pepper A touch of heat adds intrigue to every bite.

For the topping

  • 2 cups 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Creamy and comforting, it melts beautifully over the casserole.
  • 16 oz 16 oz frozen tater tots Golden and crispy, offering a delightful crunch on top of the rich mixture.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), creating a warm environment for that golden, bubbly finish.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink, breaking it up as it sizzles and browns.
  • Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet; let them soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop their natural sweetness. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the minced garlic.

Cooking

  • Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer for around 5 minutes.
  • Spread the beef mixture evenly in a lightly greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow everything to set beautifully.

Notes

For best results, don't rush the browning of the ground beef; use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best aroma and taste. Let the casserole rest after baking for easier serving.