Name: Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: PT-488557H10M45S
Cook time: PT-488557H10M45S
Total time: PT-488557H10M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (≈ 450 g) lean ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 15 oz (≈ 425 g) tomato sauce; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 1 Tbsp brown sugar; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 cups (≈ 226 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 16 oz (≈ 450 g) frozen tater tots

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A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef in sloppy joe sauce with tater tots and melted cheese — comfort food all in one dish. This is the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something satisfying, nostalgic, and easy to pull together. Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole brings together two classic comfort dishes in one pan. The sweet and tangy sloppy joe filling is packed with flavor, the crispy tater tots add the perfect crunch, and the gooey melted cheese ties it all together. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and makes great leftovers. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this dish hits the spot every time.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (≈ 450 g) lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz (≈ 425 g) tomato sauce
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 cups (≈ 226 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
16 oz (≈ 450 g) frozen tater tots

directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it browns.
I add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. I stir in the garlic during the last minute.
Next, I mix in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for around 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
I spread the beef mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
I sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
Then I arrange the tater tots evenly on top in a single layer.
I bake it for 25–30 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy.
I take it out, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so the total time from start to finish is 40 minutes.

Variations

I like switching it up depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. For extra flavor, I’ll add a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. When I want more texture, I toss in a handful of corn or black beans. And if I’m short on cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack work great too.

storage/reheating

Leftovers go into an airtight container and stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. I prefer reheating it in the oven to keep the tater tots crispy — 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes works well. The microwave is quicker, but it softens the tots. I can also assemble the dish ahead of time (without the tater tots), refrigerate it, and then bake it fresh when I’m ready.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I assemble everything except the tater tots, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready to bake, I top it with the tater tots and bake as directed.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I freeze it after assembling (again, without the tater tots) for up to 2 months. I add the tots right before baking, straight from frozen. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

What vegetables can I add to this dish?

I sometimes mix in corn, peas, or diced carrots for added nutrition and texture. They blend well with the sloppy joe mixture and don’t change the cook time.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?

I always drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning it. Using lean beef (at least 90%) also helps keep the dish from being overly greasy.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. I add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or even use pepper jack cheese if I want to turn up the heat.

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is everything I love about comfort food: flavorful, filling, and fuss-free. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or just whenever I’m in the mood for something nostalgic and cheesy. I keep this recipe on regular rotation because it’s always a hit — and the leftovers are just as good the next day.