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 like 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.

Why My Recipe

• Layers tacky tater tots over a do-it-yourself Sloppy Joe combine for the final word consolation meals combo
• Makes use of actual greens and pantry staples for a hearty, from-scratch taste
• Finishes with loads of melty cheddar on prime for that good tacky crust

We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s constructed from scratch with actual substances, together with contemporary veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to present it that signature tangy kick. In the event you’ve bought 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 may as well swap in floor turkey or rooster if most popular.
• White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as nicely if that’s what you have got 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 in order 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 may as well use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
• Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
• Floor Mustard: Provides a bit tang. In the event you don’t have it, you’ll be able to depart it out.
• Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
• Crushed Crimson Pepper Flakes: Completely elective, however nice for a bit 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 in the event you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remaining on prime.

Tater Tot Topping Ideas

In the event you’re all about that golden, crispy prime, we’ve bought you coated. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Hold 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. Wish to go even additional? Flip the oven to broil and maintain 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 thing 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. In the event you 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 nicely in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. If you’re able to bake, thaw it in a single day within the fridge after which bake as directed. Chances are 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. If you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed by means of or microwave in brief bursts, stirring in between.

Continuously Requested Questions

Serving Strategies

This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing contemporary or gentle helps steadiness out the meal. You don’t want a lot. This one’s a meal all by itself, however a bit one thing on the aspect makes it really feel additional full. Listed below are a couple of straightforward aspect concepts:

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