Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole (Printer-Friendly)
Savory ground beef and cheese topped with crispy tater tots for a kid-approved, easy dinner everyone loves.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) ground beef, 85% lean
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 -
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
04 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce, no added sugar
10 -
1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
11 -
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
12 -
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
13 -
2 cups (8 ounces/225 grams) Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
14 -
1 bag (32 ounces/907 grams) frozen tater tots or crispy crowns
→ Garnish
15 -
1 tablespoon dried parsley
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large oven-safe skillet set over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns. Stir regularly until beef is well browned and onions are softened.
02 -
Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning and let cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen flavor.
03 -
Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce. Mix thoroughly, reduce heat to low, and allow mixture to simmer for at least 3 minutes. If the mixture appears too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of water to adjust consistency.
04 -
Remove pan from heat. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the beef mixture to cover completely.
05 -
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer atop the cheese, with slight overlap if necessary. Place skillet on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until tater tots are crisp and golden and filling is bubbling.
06 -
Let casserole rest for 2–3 minutes after baking. Sprinkle with dried parsley, then use a large spoon to serve, ensuring each portion includes all layers.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and do not thaw tater tots before baking to ensure maximum crispiness.
02 -
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for crisp tater tots.
03 -
Substitute ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for beef if desired. Cheddar or pepper jack cheese may also be used as substitutes for Colby Jack.