Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
For the sloppy joe mixture
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
For the topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 4 cups frozen tater tots (do not thaw)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). If using a cast iron or oven-safe skillet, you’ll bake the dish directly in it. Otherwise, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish later.
2. Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil if using lean ground beef.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
Drain any excess fat from the pan, then stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Dish
If your skillet is oven-safe, smooth the sloppy joe mixture into an even layer. Otherwise, transfer it to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer.
Top with frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer to cover the entire surface. You can line them up neatly or scatter them for a more rustic finish.
4. Bake
Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
If you want extra crispy tots, turn the broiler on for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
5. Serve
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Serve straight from the skillet or dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Make it spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe mixture.
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils instead of beef.
- Add more veggies: Stir in finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Cheese options: Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a flavour twist.
This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a warm, filling, and easy-to-make meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It combines classic flavours in a fun and comforting format perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends.