Description
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and hearty family meal that combines savory ground beef cooked in tangy Sloppy Joe sauce, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned all over. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Mix in the Sloppy Joe sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Layer Sloppy Joe Mixture: Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish, creating a solid base for the casserole.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the Sloppy Joe mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tots and return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving so it can set slightly and be easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the Sloppy Joe sauce mixture.
- To make it spicier, toss some diced jalapeños with the onions and peppers during sautéing.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use a non-stick baking dish or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
