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This sloppy joe tater tot casserole is my new favorite easy weeknight recipe. A gluten-free sloppy joe filling is topped with crispy tater tots and gooey cheddar cheese and baked to perfection in the oven. It’s so juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously simple to make!
Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole
I love how easy this sloppy joe tater tot casserole makes my life. When made with gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for everyone in my family!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I used 90% lean. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The cooking process remains the same.
- Onion and Garlic: Add an earthy and sweet component to the dish.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds an earthy and vegetal flavor to the dish.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a bit of acidity and rich tomato flavor.
- Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the meat. You can also opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds a bit of tangy flavor to the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a balancing sweet and caramelly component to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cheese: I used shredded cheddar, but feel free to use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can work well in this recipe.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The star of the show! These bake up super crispy to create a wonderful contrast to the juicy filling.
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. (pic 1)
- Add the onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute. (pic 2)
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. (pic 3)
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over it.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. (pic 4)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (pic 5)
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. (pic 6)
Tips and Suggestions
- I highly recommend using the leanest ground beef available for this recipe. If using fattier beef, make sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapenos, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mix.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Is Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole Gluten-Free?
Yes, to make this casserole gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and any other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. Most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Yes, adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn work well. Sauté them with the bell pepper and onions.
What’s The Best Way To Layer The Tater Tots?
For the best results, place the tater tots in a single layer over the casserole to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
Storage Instructions
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After cooling, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly throughout.
More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes to Try!
- Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
- Gluten-Free Baked Mac and Cheese
- Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie
- Gluten-Free Pot Roast
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, 90% lean
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 16 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over it.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- I highly recommend using the leanest ground beef available for this recipe. If using fattier beef, make sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapenos, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mix.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- You can cook the meat and vegetables, assemble them in the casserole dish, cover it, and then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the tater tots and cheese right before baking.
- To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- To freeze: This casserole freezes well. After cooling, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly throughout.
- Mama says, “Make sure to always check your labels!”
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My guys loved this recipe and so easy! Thank you 🙏