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 underneath a crispy layer of golden tater tots and completed off with melty cheddar cheese. It’s simple 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 produced from scratch with actual components, together with contemporary veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to present it that signature tangy kick. When you’ve acquired choosy eaters at residence, this one’s a win. It’s a enjoyable, filling meal the entire household can agree on, and it makes wonderful leftovers too (if there are any!)

Ingredient Notes

• Floor Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner. You can too swap in floor turkey or hen if most popular.
• White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as properly if that’s what you might have available.
• Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides basic sloppy joe taste. Crimson 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 need to 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 can too use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
• Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
• Floor Mustard: Provides somewhat tang. When you don’t have it, you possibly can depart it out.
• Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
• Crushed Crimson Pepper Flakes: Completely optionally available, however nice for somewhat warmth.
• Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Prepare in a single layer for the crispiest prime.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded when you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remaining on prime.

Tater Tot Topping Suggestions

When you’re all about that golden, crispy prime, we’ve acquired you coated. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Preserve 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 possibly can 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 maintain an in depth 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 may assemble it totally, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. When you go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to half-hour whereas the oven preheats, then bake as common.

To freeze, assemble the casserole (with out baking), wrap it properly in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. Once you’re able to bake, thaw it in a single day within the fridge after which bake as directed. It’s possible you’ll 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. Once you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed by or microwave briefly bursts, stirring in between.

Regularly Requested Questions

Serving Ideas

This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing contemporary or gentle helps stability 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 simple facet concepts:

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