Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This comforting dinner combines the savory flavors of ground beef with tangy tomato-based sauce, onions, and a blend of spices, all topped with melty Colby Jack cheese and a generous layer of golden, crispy tater tots. Everything bakes together in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a meal that's sure to be a family favorite. Simple to prepare and satisfying to eat, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, capturing the essence of classic American comfort food.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:08:45 GMT
A close up of a sloppy joe tater tot casserole. Save
A close up of a sloppy joe tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup with a nostalgic twist. Juicy beef in tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots baked right on top make a one pan dinner that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This is the kind of casserole that disappears fast at my table and always reminds me of hauling kids home after soccer practice with everyone asking what smells so good.

When I first tried this recipe on a rainy school night my youngest went back for seconds and declared it better than the original Manwich version

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: look for eighty five percent lean for the best balance of flavor and less grease
  • Chopped onion: gives the Sloppy Joe base its signature sweetness and texture try to pick firm onions with shiny skin
  • Salt and pepper: brings out the savory beef flavors always taste and adjust
  • Onion powder and paprika: makes the sauce richer and adds color use good quality paprika for better flavor
  • Minced garlic: fresh is best but the pre minced jar kind will work in a pinch
  • Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and a tangy punch look for a brand that lists anchovies for authentic flavor
  • Tomato sauce: creates the saucy base pick a can with no added sugar for classic taste
  • Ketchup: for sweetness and thickness
  • Mustard: brings zing classic yellow works best for this
  • Barbecue sauce: a smoky touch makes the casserole extra craveable use your favorite brand
  • Shredded Colby Jack cheese: melts lusciously and gives a mild creamy bite buy a block and shred it yourself for best melting
  • Crispy Crowns or Tater Tots: the real star choose tater tots that look evenly sized and not too frosty
  • Dried parsley: to sprinkle over at the end for color and a hint of freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions:
Place a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion Cook for about eight minutes breaking the beef into small crumbles Stir often so nothing sticks Let it brown deeply as that gives the casserole extra flavor
Season and Simmer:
Sprinkle in the salt pepper onion powder and paprika Stir well so it all gets into every bit Continue cooking for two minutes to let the spices bloom and taste richer
Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Add the minced garlic Worcestershire sauce tomato sauce ketchup mustard and barbecue sauce to the pan Stir thoroughly and turn the heat down to low Let it bubble gently for at least three minutes so everything melds together If it looks dry add a splash of water
Add the Cheese:
Turn off the heat Sprinkle the entire top of the beef mixture evenly with the shredded Colby Jack cheese Try to cover as much as you can for that perfect melty layer
Top with Tater Tots and Bake:
Lay the tater tots or crispy crowns in rows on top of the cheese covering the surface with just a bit of overlap Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Bake on the middle rack for about twenty five minutes until the tots are golden brown and crunchy and the sauce is bubbly around the edges
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the casserole and let it sit a couple minutes Sprinkle over dried parsley for a touch of color Use a large spoon to serve and make sure to dig to the bottom for every layer
A close up of a sloppy joe tater tot casserole. Save
A close up of a sloppy joe tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

Tater tots are my all time favorite comfort food and every time we make this dish I remember my grandma letting us sneak a couple out of the pan before everyone sat down Together with Sloppy Joe sauce it is pure magic and family memories

Storage Tips

Leftover casserole keeps well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat use an oven at three fifty degrees to keep the tater tots crispy or a microwave if you are in a hurry You can also portion leftovers into lunch containers for easy meal prep

Ingredient Substitutions

If you run out of ground beef try ground turkey or a plant based ground For cheese swap in cheddar or pepper jack for more bite If you have barbecue sauce you do not love skip it or use a bit of hot sauce instead Tomato soup can stand in for tomato sauce if needed

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and hearty so serve it alongside something fresh like a green salad Coleslaw or steamed green beans also work for a classic diner feel If you want a little extra zing offer dill pickles or serve with a dash of hot sauce at the table

A close up of a sloppy joe tater tot casserole. Save
A close up of a sloppy joe tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative. Simply cook it as you would the beef.

→ Do I need an oven-safe skillet?

An oven-safe skillet is convenient, but you can transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before topping with cheese and tots.

→ What cheese works best in this dish?

Colby Jack provides a great melt and flavor, but cheddar or a cheese blend can also be used.

→ How do I know when the tater tots are done?

Bake until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, usually around 25 minutes at 400°F.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, reheat leftovers in the oven for the best texture, or use a microwave if needed.

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Ground beef, tangy sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots in a family-friendly baked dish.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb ground beef
02 1 onion, chopped
03 1/2 tsp salt
04 1/2 tsp pepper
05 1 tsp onion powder
06 1 tsp paprika
07 1 tbsp minced garlic
08 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 8 oz can tomato sauce
10 1/4 cup ketchup
11 1 tbsp mustard
12 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
13 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
14 30 oz bag Crispy Crowns or Tater Tots
15 Dried parsley for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 02

Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. Let simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes.

Step 03

Top the mixture with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Arrange the Crispy Crowns or Tater Tots evenly over the top.

Step 04

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes or until the Crispy Crowns are golden brown and crispy.

Tips

  1. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before assembling with cheese and tater tots.

Required Tools

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Oven
  • Baking dish (optional, if not using oven-safe skillet)

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy (cheese)
  • Gluten (potential in BBQ sauce or Worcestershire sauce)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 435
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 29 g