Name: Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean); 1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 15 oz (about 1 can) tomato sauce; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp yellow mustard; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 32 oz frozen tater tots

A comforting one-dish meal combining seasoned ground beef in a sloppy joe style sauce, topped with melted cheese and crispy tater tots. This hearty casserole blends nostalgic flavors with satisfying textures for a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to throw together. Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together two of my favorite comfort foods—sloppy joes and tater tots—into one delicious casserole. It’s a complete meal in a single dish, loaded with savory beef, sweet and tangy sauce, melty cheese, and that irresistible crispy top from the tots. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but crowd-pleasing enough for potlucks and gatherings. Plus, I can prep it ahead or freeze leftovers for another day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (lean)
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz (about 1 can) tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
32 oz frozen tater tots

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375 °F (≈ 190 °C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef, onion, and green pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Then, I drain off the excess fat.
I add the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant.
I stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for 3–5 minutes so the flavors can come together.
I spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish.
I sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
Next, I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
I bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crisp.
I remove it from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up.
For more kick, I like adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Adding extras like corn, mushrooms, or even black beans gives it a fun twist.
I also prefer shredding my own cheese for better melt and flavor—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
If I’m hosting or prepping ahead, I assemble everything but the tater tots and top cheese, then refrigerate it and bake fresh the next day.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To reheat, I pop portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F until hot.
If I want to freeze the casserole, I let it cool completely first, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What can I use instead of ground beef?

I like using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option. It still tastes great and absorbs the sauce well.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it without the tater tots and top cheese, refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, then bake it fresh when I’m ready.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely. I bake it first, let it cool, and then freeze it tightly wrapped. It keeps well for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight and reheat in the oven.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

I always bake the casserole uncovered and make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer. That helps them get golden and crunchy.

Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?

Yes! I sometimes toss in corn, mushrooms, or even chopped spinach to bulk it up with more veggies and flavor.

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole has become a go-to comfort meal for me. It’s easy, cheesy, and downright satisfying—perfect for busy nights, feeding a hungry crowd, or just indulging in something cozy and delicious. I love how versatile it is and how well it keeps, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.