Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
This sloppy joe tater tot casserole so juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously simple to make! Topped with cheddar cheese and baked to perfection!
Servings: 6
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
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 1215mg | Potassium: 783mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 764IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 307mg | Iron: 3mg