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A golden-brown Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole in a round black skillet, topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh green parsley, and a drizzle of savory sauce.

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with savory sloppy joe filling, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for an easy family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire-style sauce alcohol-free
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire-style sauce, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and flavorful.
  8. Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
  10. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly on top.
  11. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden.
  12. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.