Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is what occurs when two weeknight favorites come collectively in a single severely satisfying dinner. This recipe has all of the wealthy, saucy taste you’re keen on in a traditional sloppy joe, however it’s baked underneath 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 home made 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 high for that excellent tacky crust
We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s comprised of scratch with actual components, together with recent veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to offer it that signature tangy kick. If you happen to’ve bought choosy eaters at dwelling, 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 well-liked.
- White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as effectively if that’s what you might have readily available.
- Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides traditional 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: Recent is finest, however you should utilize 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 a bit tang. If you happen to 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 a bit warmth.
- Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Organize in a single layer for the crispiest high.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded when you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remainder on high.
Tater Tot Topping Ideas
If you happen to’re all about that golden, crispy high, we’ve bought you lined. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Maintain 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 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 preserve 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 the whole lot collectively, whereas the cheese on high will get completely melty and bubbly.
Crispy or Gooey Cheese
This recipe is written to offer you a crisp, golden cheese topping. Sprinkling all of the cheese on initially means it bakes up bubbly and toasty by the point the tater tots are accomplished. It provides a pleasant texture that pairs completely with the crispy tots.
However when you’re extra into that gooey, melty cheese pull, there’s a straightforward repair. Simply maintain again the cheese that goes on high and add it over the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. That means, it melts easily with out crisping up an excessive amount of.
Both means works, so it’s completely as much as what you and your crew like finest.
Make Forward and Freezer Meals
This casserole is ideal for prepping forward. You possibly can assemble it totally, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. If you happen to go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to half-hour whereas the oven preheats, then bake as ordinary.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (with out baking), wrap it effectively in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll preserve 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. 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. If you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed by means of or microwave in brief bursts, stirring in between.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Probably not. You want the dry warmth of the oven to crisp up the tater tots. A sluggish cooker will depart them tender and soggy.
You should use 1/4 cup of ketchup as a substitute. It’s a bit sweeter, however it does work. Simply omit the brown sugar.
Completely. Use two 9×13 pans or one huge lasagna-style pan. Add an additional 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time if it’s further thick.
Cheddar is traditional, however Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and even Pepper Jack work nice too.
Serving Ideas
This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing recent 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 facet makes it really feel further full. Listed here are a couple of straightforward facet concepts:
- A crisp inexperienced salad with a easy French dressing
- Steamed or roasted inexperienced beans
- Applesauce or recent fruit for a kid-friendly twist
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Leftovers needs to be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge. They’ll preserve effectively for as much as 4 days.
Reheat: For the perfect texture, reheat within the oven at 350°F till warmed by means of. Cowl loosely with foil if the highest is browning too rapidly. For single parts, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between every, till scorching during.
