Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is what occurs when two weeknight favorites come collectively in a single significantly satisfying dinner. This recipe has all of the wealthy, saucy taste you like in a traditional sloppy joe, but it surely’s baked underneath a crispy layer of golden tater tots and completed off with melty cheddar cheese. It’s straightforward to throw collectively and hits the spot each time.
It is a mixture of my sloppy joe recipe and our tater tot casserole.

Why My Recipe
- Layers tacky tater tots over a selfmade Sloppy Joe combine for the last word consolation meals combo
- Makes use of actual greens and pantry staples for a hearty, from-scratch taste
- Finishes with loads of melty cheddar on prime for that excellent tacky crust


We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s made out of scratch with actual components, together with recent veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to offer it that signature tangy kick. When you’ve received choosy eaters at residence, this one’s a win. It’s a enjoyable, filling meal the entire household can agree on, and it makes wonderful leftovers too (if there are any!)
Ingredient Notes


- Floor Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner. It’s also possible to swap in floor turkey or hen if most popular.
- White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as nicely if that’s what you will have available.
- Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides traditional sloppy joe taste. Crimson or yellow bell pepper can be utilized for a barely sweeter style.
- Celery Ribs: Provides a little bit of crunch and taste. Cube them small so that they soften properly within the skillet.
- Minced Garlic: Contemporary is greatest, however you should use 1 teaspoon garlic powder if wanted.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory taste.
- Tomato Sauce: One common 15-ounce can is all you want.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the combination and boosts that tomato taste.
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes with only a contact of sweetness. It’s also possible to use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
- Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
- Floor Mustard: Provides somewhat tang. When you don’t have it, you may go away it out.
- Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
- Crushed Crimson Pepper Flakes: Completely elective, however nice for somewhat warmth.
- Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Prepare in a single layer for the crispiest prime.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded when you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remainder on prime.
Tater Tot Topping Ideas
When you’re all about that golden, crispy prime, we’ve received you lined. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Maintain them frozen till you’re prepared to make use of them, and ensure to rearrange them in a single layer with no overlaps. You need every one to have an opportunity to crisp up within the oven.
For an additional crispy end, you may transfer the casserole to the highest oven rack for the final 5 minutes or so. Need to go even additional? Flip the oven to broil and preserve an in depth eye on it. It solely takes a minute or two so as to add that golden crunch.
Additionally, don’t skip the layer of cheese within the center. It acts like a glue that helps maintain every part collectively, whereas the cheese on prime will get completely melty and bubbly.
Crispy or Gooey Cheese
This recipe is written to offer you a crisp, golden cheese topping. Sprinkling all of the cheese on at first means it bakes up bubbly and toasty by the point the tater tots are executed. It provides a pleasant texture that pairs completely with the crispy tots.
However when you’re extra into that gooey, melty cheese pull, there’s a straightforward repair. Simply maintain again the cheese that goes on prime and add it over the past 5 to 10 minutes of baking. That method, it melts easily with out crisping up an excessive amount of.
Both method works, so it’s completely as much as what you and your crew like greatest.


Make Forward and Freezer Meals
This casserole is ideal for prepping forward. You’ll be able to assemble it totally, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. When you go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to half-hour whereas the oven preheats, then bake as traditional.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (with out baking), wrap it nicely in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll preserve for as much as 3 months. Whenever you’re able to bake, thaw it in a single day within the fridge after which bake as directed. It’s possible you’ll want so as to add 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time.
Have leftovers? They freeze nice too. Simply portion them out into freezer-safe containers. Whenever you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed by or microwave briefly bursts, stirring in between.
Steadily Requested Questions
Probably not. You want the dry warmth of the oven to crisp up the tater tots. A sluggish cooker will go away them tender and soggy.
You should use 1/4 cup of ketchup as a substitute. It’s somewhat sweeter, but it surely does work. Simply pass over the brown sugar.
Completely. Use two 9×13 pans or one massive lasagna-style pan. Add an additional 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time if it’s additional thick.
Cheddar is traditional, however Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and even Pepper Jack work nice too.
Serving Recommendations
This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing recent or mild helps steadiness out the meal. You don’t want a lot. This one’s a meal all by itself, however somewhat one thing on the aspect makes it really feel additional full. Listed below are just a few straightforward aspect concepts:
- A crisp inexperienced salad with a easy French dressing
- Steamed or roasted inexperienced beans
- Applesauce or recent fruit for a kid-friendly twist
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Leftovers must be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge. They’ll preserve nicely for as much as 4 days.
Reheat: For the perfect texture, reheat within the oven at 350°F till warmed by. Cowl loosely with foil if the highest is browning too shortly. For single parts, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between every, till scorching all over.
Extra scrumptious casseroles…
Trending Merchandise