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Delicious Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole served in a baking dish

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Creamy, juicy, and downright comforting, Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate weeknight crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced
  • 1/2 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 package (8-ounce) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 package (30-ounce) frozen tater tots (about 2/3 of the bag)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil so the casserole won’t stick.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring and breaking the meat up with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
  • Return the skillet to medium-low heat and stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is evenly combined and warm. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
  • Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle just over half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly across the meat layer.
  • Arrange the tater tots in a single even layer over the cheese—use about 2/3 of the 30-ounce bag. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the tater tots to cover them.
  • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set slightly.

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave, covered, for 1–2 minutes until hot.
Keyword Easy