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 like in a traditional sloppy joe, but it surely’s baked beneath 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 home made 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 prime for that good tacky crust
We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s produced from scratch with actual components, together with recent veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to provide it that signature tangy kick. For those who’ve bought choosy eaters at residence, this one’s a win. It’s a enjoyable, filling meal the entire household can agree on, and it makes wonderful leftovers too (if there are any!)
Ingredient Notes
- Floor Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner. It’s also possible to swap in floor turkey or hen if most well-liked.
- White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as properly if that’s what you may have 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 in order that they soften properly within the skillet.
- Minced Garlic: Recent is finest, however you should utilize 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. It’s also possible to use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
- Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
- Floor Mustard: Provides just a little tang. For those who don’t have it, you may go away it out.
- Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
- Crushed Pink Pepper Flakes: Completely non-compulsory, however nice for just a little warmth.
- Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Prepare in a single layer for the crispiest prime.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded in the event you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remainder on prime.
Tater Tot Topping Suggestions
For those who’re all about that golden, crispy prime, we’ve bought you coated. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Preserve 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 every one 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. Wish to go even additional? Flip the oven to broil and maintain an in depth 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 every part collectively, whereas the cheese on prime will get completely melty and bubbly.
Crispy or Gooey Cheese
This recipe is written to provide you a crisp, golden cheese topping. Sprinkling all of the cheese on in the beginning means it bakes up bubbly and toasty by the point the tater tots are finished. It provides a pleasant texture that pairs completely with the crispy tots.
However in the event you’re extra into that gooey, melty cheese pull, there’s a straightforward repair. Simply maintain again the cheese that goes on prime and add it over the past 5 to 10 minutes of baking. That means, it melts easily with out crisping up an excessive amount of.
Both means works, so it’s completely as much as what you and your crew like finest.
Make Forward and Freezer Meals
This casserole is ideal for prepping forward. You’ll be able to assemble it totally, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. For those who go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to half-hour whereas the oven preheats, then bake as normal.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (with out baking), wrap it properly in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. Once you’re able to bake, thaw it in a single day within the fridge after which bake as directed. Chances are 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. Once you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed via or microwave in brief bursts, stirring in between.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Not likely. You want the dry warmth of the oven to crisp up the tater tots. A sluggish cooker will go away them smooth and soggy.
You should utilize 1/4 cup of ketchup as an alternative. It’s just a little sweeter, but it surely does work. Simply omit the brown sugar.
Completely. Use two 9×13 pans or one large lasagna-style pan. Add an additional 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time if it’s additional thick.
Cheddar is traditional, however Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and even Pepper Jack work nice too.
Serving Ideas
This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing recent or gentle helps stability out the meal. You don’t want a lot. This one’s a meal all by itself, however just a little one thing on the aspect makes it really feel additional full. Listed below are a number of simple aspect concepts:
- A crisp inexperienced salad with a easy French dressing
- Steamed or roasted inexperienced beans
- Applesauce or recent fruit for a kid-friendly twist
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Leftovers needs to be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge. They’ll maintain properly for as much as 4 days.
Reheat: For the most effective texture, reheat within the oven at 350°F till warmed via. Cowl loosely with foil if the highest is browning too shortly. For single parts, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between every, till scorching during.
