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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
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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
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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.