Description
A family-friendly sloppy joes tater tot casserole that’s cheesy, comforting, and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or freezer meal prep. Crispy tater tots top a hearty, saucy filling for the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (or homemade)
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
-
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
-
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
Optional: 1 cup extra veggies (mushrooms, zucchini, spinach)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
-
Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 3-4 minutes until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
-
Add garlic and sauce: Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute. Add sloppy joe sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in extra veggies if using.
-
Assemble: Spread the sloppy joe mixture in the casserole dish. Top with half the cheese. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
-
Bake: Place in oven and bake 30–35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and cheese is bubbly.
-
Serve: Let cool 5 minutes. Scoop and enjoy!
Notes
-
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add extra baking time if chilled.
-
Freezer Friendly: Assemble (unbaked), wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, then bake as directed.
-
Diet Swaps: Use plant-based meat for vegetarian, dairy-free cheese for non-dairy, or gluten-free tater tots and sauce as needed.
-
Variations: Add extra veggies, swap cheeses, or spice it up with jalapeños or taco seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg