Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is what occurs when two weeknight favorites come collectively in a single critically satisfying dinner. This recipe has all of the wealthy, saucy taste you’re keen on in a traditional sloppy joe, but it surely’s baked below a crispy layer of golden tater tots and completed off with melty cheddar cheese. It’s simple to throw collectively and hits the spot each time.

It is a mixture of my sloppy joe recipe and our tater tot casserole.

Why My Recipe

• Layers tacky tater tots over a do-it-yourself Sloppy Joe combine for the final word consolation meals combo
• Makes use of actual greens and pantry staples for a hearty, from-scratch taste
• Finishes with loads of melty cheddar on high for that good tacky crust

We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s constituted of scratch with actual components, together with recent veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to present it that signature tangy kick. Should you’ve acquired choosy eaters at dwelling, this one’s a win. It’s a enjoyable, filling meal the entire household can agree on, and it makes superb leftovers too (if there are any!)

Ingredient Notes

• Floor Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner. You may as well swap in floor turkey or rooster if most popular.
• White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as properly if that’s what you’ve available.
• Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides traditional sloppy joe taste. Pink or yellow bell pepper can be utilized for a barely sweeter style.
• Celery Ribs: Provides a little bit of crunch and taste. Cube them small so that they soften properly within the skillet.
• Minced Garlic: Contemporary is finest, however you need to use 1 teaspoon garlic powder if wanted.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory taste.
• Tomato Sauce: One common 15-ounce can is all you want.
• Tomato Paste: Thickens the combination and boosts that tomato taste.
• Brown Sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes with only a contact of sweetness. You may as well use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
• Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
• Floor Mustard: Provides a little bit tang. Should you don’t have it, you may go away it out.
• Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
• Crushed Pink Pepper Flakes: Completely non-obligatory, however nice for a little bit warmth.
• Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Organize in a single layer for the crispiest high.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded for those who can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remaining on high.

Tater Tot Topping Ideas

Should you’re all about that golden, crispy high, we’ve acquired you coated. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Hold them frozen till you’re prepared to make use of them, and ensure to rearrange them in a single layer with no overlaps. You need each to have an opportunity to crisp up within the oven.

For an additional crispy end, you may transfer the casserole to the highest oven rack for the final 5 minutes or so. Need to go even additional? Flip the oven to broil and hold a detailed eye on it. It solely takes a minute or two so as to add that golden crunch.

Additionally, don’t skip the layer of cheese within the center. It acts like a glue that helps maintain the whole lot collectively, whereas the cheese on high will get completely melty and bubbly.

Make Forward and Freezer Meals

This casserole is ideal for prepping forward. You’ll be able to assemble it absolutely, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. Should you go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to half-hour whereas the oven preheats, then bake as standard.

To freeze, assemble the casserole (with out baking), wrap it properly in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll hold for as much as 3 months. While you’re able to bake, thaw it in a single day within the fridge after which bake as directed. It’s possible you’ll want so as to add 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time.

Have leftovers? They freeze nice too. Simply portion them out into freezer-safe containers. While you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed by way of or microwave briefly bursts, stirring in between.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

Serving Recommendations

This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing recent or mild helps stability out the meal. You don’t want a lot. This one’s a meal all by itself, however a little bit one thing on the facet makes it really feel further full. Listed here are a number of simple facet concepts:

• A crisp inexperienced salad with a easy French dressing
• Steamed or roasted inexperienced beans
• Applesauce or recent fruit for a kid-friendly twist