Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is what occurs when two weeknight favorites come collectively in a single significantly satisfying dinner. This recipe has all of the wealthy, saucy taste you like in a basic sloppy joe, nevertheless it’s baked beneath a crispy layer of golden tater tots and completed off with melty cheddar cheese. It’s straightforward to throw collectively and hits the spot each time.

This can be a mixture of my sloppy joe recipe and our tater tot casserole.

We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s constructed from scratch with actual elements, together with contemporary veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to offer it that signature tangy kick. If you happen to’ve acquired choosy eaters at house, 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 will have readily available.
• Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides basic 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: Contemporary is finest, however you should 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 somewhat tang. If you happen to don’t have it, you’ll be able to go away it out.
• Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
• Crushed Pink Pepper Flakes: Completely non-obligatory, however nice for somewhat warmth.
• Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Organize in a single layer for the crispiest prime.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded if you happen to can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remaining on prime.

Tater Tot Topping Ideas

If you happen to’re all about that golden, crispy prime, we’ve acquired you coated. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Maintain 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’ll be able to 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 preserve 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 all the things collectively, whereas the cheese on prime will get completely melty and bubbly.

Make Forward and Freezer Meals

This casserole is ideal for prepping forward. You may assemble it totally, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. If you happen to 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 preserve for as much as 3 months. Whenever you’re able to bake, thaw it in a single day within the fridge after which bake as directed. You could 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. Whenever you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed by way of or microwave in brief bursts, stirring in between.

Regularly Requested Questions

Serving Solutions

This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing contemporary or gentle helps steadiness out the meal. You don’t want a lot. This one’s a meal all by itself, however somewhat one thing on the aspect makes it really feel additional full. Listed below are just a few straightforward aspect concepts:

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