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 basic sloppy joe, but it surely’s baked below 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.

It is 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 created from scratch with actual elements, together with recent veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to offer it that signature tangy kick. For those who’ve obtained 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 also swap in floor turkey or rooster if most well-liked.
• White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as properly if that’s what you’ve gotten readily available.
• Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides basic sloppy joe taste. Purple 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 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. You may also use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
• Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
• Floor Mustard: Provides somewhat tang. For those who don’t have it, you’ll be able to depart it out.
• Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
• Crushed Purple Pepper Flakes: Completely non-compulsory, 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 in the event you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remainder on prime.

Tater Tot Topping Ideas

For those who’re all about that golden, crispy prime, we’ve obtained 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 every one 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 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 every part 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’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 hold 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 or microwave briefly bursts, stirring in between.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

Serving Ideas

This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing recent or mild 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 facet makes it really feel additional full. Listed here are just a few straightforward 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