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Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole
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Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly one-dish meal that combines savory sloppy joe filling with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheese. Ready in under an hour, this comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. It features a rich ground beef base, aromatic onions and garlic, tangy homemade or store-bought sloppy joe sauce, and a crunchy tater tot topping baked to perfection. Easily customizable and gluten-free, this dish is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sloppy joe sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice)
  • 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
  • Diced jalapeños or hot sauce for spice
  • Mushrooms, corn, or carrots for vegetable boost

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is fully cooked, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce along with salt, pepper, paprika, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Let the mixture simmer gently so the flavors meld, about 5 minutes.
  2. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish and evenly spread the sloppy joe filling in the bottom. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the meat mixture to add creamy richness and help bind the casserole.
  3. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheesy meat filling, avoiding overlaps to ensure maximum crispiness during baking.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. For extra crispiness, you may broil for the last 2-3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions if desired. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef before adding the sauce to reduce greasiness.
  • Ensure the sloppy joe mixture is spread evenly in the casserole dish for consistent bites.
  • Arrange tater tots in a single layer without overlapping to achieve optimal crunch.
  • Use cheeses that melt well, such as sharp cheddar, for a gooey, flavorful topping.
  • Fresh herbs sprinkled on top after baking add brightness and visual appeal.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to preserve crispiness or microwave for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, sloppy joe casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food, gluten-free casserole, baked tater tots

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