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Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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3.9 from 52 reviews

This Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal combining savory ground beef sloppy joe filling with crispy baked tater tots and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this easy casserole layers seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce topped with golden tater tots baked to perfection for a satisfying, hearty dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Sloppy Joe Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ medium onion, diced (white, yellow or sweet)
  • ½ medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes in juice (canned, including juice)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Topping

  • 26 ounces frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart, until fully browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat with a paper towel to keep the casserole from being greasy. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine sloppy joe mixture: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Assemble casserole: Pour the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in neat rows.
  6. Bake tater tots: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Add cheese and finish baking: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the baked tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty, comforting Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole!

Notes

  • You can customize this casserole by using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a little spice.
  • If you prefer a thicker sloppy joe sauce, simmer the mixture a few minutes longer before assembling.
  • Leftovers reheated well in the oven or microwave for a quick and filling meal.
  • Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/tater-tot-sloppy-joe-casserole-recipe/