This one-pan Sloppy Joe tater tot casserole comes together quickly and easily. A savory Sloppy Joe mixture is topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar for a comforting, family-friendly weeknight meal everyone will enjoy.
This playful twist on a childhood favorite pairs classic Sloppy Joe flavors with golden, cheesy tater tots for a satisfying dinner that’s simple to make and fun to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one skillet for minimal cleanup. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the filling to a baking dish before baking.
- Quick and easy to assemble, perfect for busy weeknights. The casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own or alongside a simple green salad.
- Uses common pantry staples, so it’s convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Unsalted butter & olive oil — butter adds richness while a splash of olive oil helps prevent burning. Use any neutral oil if preferred.
Ground beef — classic for Sloppy Joes, though you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based ground meat if desired.
Onion — one small yellow onion, finely diced; add more if you love onion.
Garlic — fresh minced garlic brightens the filling; use more if you like.
Tomato paste — concentrates tomato flavor; a small amount goes a long way. (Tip: leftover tomato paste can be frozen in tablespoon portions.)
Ketchup — gives the sweet-tangy base that characterizes Sloppy Joes.
Chicken broth — or beef/vegetable broth to thin the sauce slightly while it simmers.
Brown sugar — adds balanced sweetness; regular or dark brown sugar both work.
Chili powder — a touch for warmth (American-style chili powder, not pure chile powder).
Worcestershire sauce — for depth; soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
Salt and pepper — to taste.
Cheddar cheese — two cups shredded, divided; sharp cheddar melts nicely.
Frozen tater tots — keep them frozen until ready to top the casserole for best texture.
How To Make A Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Warm a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the butter and olive oil, then cook the diced onion for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it up as it browns.
- When the beef is mostly cooked, stir in the minced garlic. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the tomato paste and blend it into the beef. Stir in ketchup, broth, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the skillet from heat and spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the top.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake 30–35 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tater tots and bake another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese melts. Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.
Tips and Notes
- Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smokier profile, but expect a different flavor.
- Drain excess grease if using higher-fat ground beef.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often include anti-caking agents.
- Fold in frozen corn or peas to add vegetables that kids often enjoy.
- Depending on skillet size you may not use the entire bag of tater tots—arrange them to fit in a single layer.
Storage Tips
- Make ahead: cook the Sloppy Joe base, refrigerate, then top with tater tots and bake when ready.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture; microwaving will soften the tater tots.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before reheating, or reheat covered from frozen to prevent over-browning of the tater tots.
Recipe
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced finely
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup chicken broth, or beef or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 package frozen tater tots
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil, then cook the diced onion for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it up as it browns.
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When the beef is mostly cooked, stir in the garlic. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
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Add tomato paste and mix well. Stir in ketchup, broth, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens.
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Remove from heat, spread the mixture evenly in the skillet, and sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar on top.
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Arrange frozen tater tots over the cheese in a single layer and bake 30–35 minutes, until golden and crispy.
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Top with remaining cheese and bake 5–10 more minutes until melted. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve.
Nutrition
More Recipes You May Like
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