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Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

A savory and comforting family-friendly dish combining classic Sloppy Joe flavors with crispy tater tots and melted cheese - perfect for weeknight dinners when you need a hearty meal that everyone will love.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main-course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced (about ½ cup)
  • ¾ cup 180 g ketchup
  • 1 cup 240 g chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups 226 g mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1 package 32 ounces frozen tater tots
  • Parsley chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure your casserole cooks evenly, with the tater tots getting crispy on top while the filling stays moist and flavorful underneath.
  2. Brown the Meat: To a 12-inch, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat as you go, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary. This step builds the flavor foundation for your casserole.
  3. Create the Sauce: Add the ketchup, chicken broth, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are combined. This mixture creates that classic sweet and tangy Sloppy Joe flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
  4. Add the First Layer of Cheese: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar evenly over the mixture. This middle layer of cheese helps bind the meat mixture to the tater tots and adds rich flavor.
  5. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may not use the entire package of tater tots. A single layer ensures each tot gets crispy during baking.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. This initial bake cooks the tots and allows the flavors to meld together.
  7. Add Final Cheese Layer: Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. This final layer of cheese brings everything together.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, allowing the casserole to cool slightly before digging in.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
  • This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and use reduced-fat cheese.