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Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

A crowd-pleasing mashup of tangy sloppy joe meat sauce and a crispy tater tot crust baked until golden. It's weeknight comfort food at its easiest.

55 minEasyServes 6540 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerStovetop and OvenStandardHigh ProteinAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20) until browned, breaking it into crumbles, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

  3. 3

    Add 1 cup finely diced yellow onion and 1 finely diced green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.

  4. 4

    Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp brown sugar, 2 tsp yellow mustard, and 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

  5. 5

    Pour the meat sauce into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the sauce.

  6. 6

    Arrange 32 oz frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface.

  7. 7

    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling. Serve hot directly from the dish.

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Questions

What oven temperature does Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole need?

For Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole, the oven is set to 425 F (about 220 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 30 minutes, in step 7.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce in Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole?

The entry for Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole calls for 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. In its place: Soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole uses 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20).

Can I make Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Does Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole contain fish?

Yes: 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole?

Refrigerate what is left of Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through.

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