Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole
Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the savory flavor of classic sloppy joes with a crispy tater tot topping. This easy-to-make casserole delivers bold flavors and a delightful mix of textures, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
- Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with diced onions and garlic until the meat is fully browned and fragrant, breaking it up evenly with a spoon.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cooked meat. Stir everything well and let it simmer to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sloppy joe meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover the entire dish with a layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden and crispy and the cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes so the layers settle, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Brown meat thoroughly to reduce excess grease and enhance flavor.
- Use frozen tater tots for a better, crispier topping.
- Simmer the meat sauce to develop a deep, savory flavor.
- Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for ideal meltability and taste.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps maintain structure and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: sloppy joe casserole, tater tot casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole