Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned, and the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the meat, if necessary.
Next, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Be sure to cover the bottom with an even layer. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the sloppy joe mixture. The tots don’t need to be arranged perfectly, as they’ll cook and crisp up during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
- Use Lean Ground Beef or Turkey:
If you want a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. The leaner meat will help reduce excess fat in the dish. - Make It Spicy:
If you like a little heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture. - Vegetable Add-ins:
Sneak in some vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the sloppy joe mixture for a more nutritious casserole. - Cheese Options:
While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique twist on the flavor. - Make It Ahead of Time:
You can make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just assemble the casserole and bake it when you’re ready to eat. This is great for busy weeknights! - Add a Salad or Veggies on the Side:
Since this casserole is rich and hearty, it pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side to balance out the meal.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also freeze the casserole before baking. To do this, assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it yet. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, satisfying dish that everyone will love. With its combination of savory sloppy joe filling, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate family-friendly meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a quick dinner idea, this casserole is the answer. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to become a household favorite. So don’t lose this recipe—it’s one you’ll want to keep on hand!