Description
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort-food mash-up: tangy, saucy beef layered with melty cheddar and topped with a blanket of golden, crunchy tater tots. It’s a family-friendly dinner that feels nostalgic yet exciting, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional, for extra crunch)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (28-oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for extra-crispy tots)
- Fresh parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. - Add Flavorings
Stir in garlic and diced bell pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3–4 minutes to let flavors meld. - Assemble the Casserole
Spread beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese over the beef. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Brush lightly with melted butter if you like extra crispiness. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy. - Finish & Serve
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the hot tots. Return to oven for 5 minutes, until cheese melts. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the beef and cheese layers up to a day ahead, keep covered in the fridge, then top with frozen tots just before baking.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots or corn for a sweeter touch and more texture.
- Spice Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce if you like heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 cup
- Calories: ~420
- Sugar: ~9 g
- Sodium: ~870 mg
- Fat: ~24 g
- Saturated Fat: ~10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~11 g
- Trans Fat: <0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~33 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~19 g
- Cholesterol: ~65 mg
Keywords: sloppy joe casserole, tater tot casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food