Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef

Sloppy joe tater tot casserole is such an easy dinner idea. The baked casserole combines ground beef and crispy tater tots with a tangy ketchup-based sauce, and gooey layer of grated cheddar cheese. Bake until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and serve hot. Ready within 1 hour. Make-head instructions provided too!

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds ground beef
½ large onion chopped
1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup ketchup
¾ cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Lea & Perrin's brand for gluten-free
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon (optional) hot sauce
32 ounces frozen tater tots Ore-Ida brand for gluten-free
2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 9X13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown, breaking apart into crumbles as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Transfer to colander to drain.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 pounds ground beef
Add the onion and bell pepper to same skillet. Cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds longer.
½ large onion, 1 green bell pepper, 3 cloves garlic
Lower the heat and add the beef back to the skillet. Sir in the ketchup, water, tomato paste, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and optional hot sauce. Simmer, loosely covered, for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors. Spread in the prepared baking dish.
¾ cup ketchup, ¾ cup water, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon (optional) hot sauce
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tater tots are crisp. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 5 additional minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
32 ounces frozen tater tots, 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Notes

freezing and make ahead directions

Make-Ahead Directions:

Prepare the sloppy joe filling up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Assemble the casserole with frozen tater tots when ready to bake and serve.
Bake as directed, but add an additional 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

Freezer Meal:

This casserole is perfect for freezing. Either double the recipe and freeze one in a disposable aluminum pan or make ahead to freeze and enjoy at a later date.

Prepare the sloppy joe mixture and spread on the bottom of a greased 9X13 baking dish. Allow time for the meat to cool so the frozen tater tots do not thaw.
Layer with frozen potato puffs. Cover the dish with foil and then wrap with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to label the dish with the recipe name and baking instructions. Freeze up to 4 months.
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen in a 350ºF oven for 60 minutes, or until the bottom layer is hot. If the tots need additional crisping, increase the oven temperature to 425ºF and bake until crisp.
Add the cheddar cheese and bake for 5 minutes longer, or until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition