Two familiar favorites in a one-dish dinner!
While there’s nothing wrong with a really sloppy sloppy joe served on a sesame bun, what if you could enjoy the flavors of a sloppy joe in casserole form? Sloppy joe Tater Tot casserole is the answer! You get all of the flavors of traditional sloppy joes (plus some extras like corn) in a one-dish main, with a bonus layer of warm, crispy Tater Tots instead of the bun. If your family is like mine and loves comfort food on a busy weeknight, try this fun variation on the classic sandwich.
What’s in a name? While the name for the classic sandwich may seem obvious, the history of the sloppy joe sandwich, like a lot of beloved dishes, is tangled, with a few different origin stories competing for naming rights. Some claim the sloppy joe’s roots are in the Key West bar of the same name, and that its roots are in the Cuban ropa vieja dish. Others claim the sandwich is a Midwestern tradition, dating back to the 1930s in Sioux City, Iowa, where a cook named Joe was known for his sandwiches. Either way, the tangy, smoky sauce and tender, loose ground beef have made this a favorite in home kitchens, diners, and school cafeterias.
You and your family will love sloppy joe Tater Tot casserole for a hearty dinner and easy cleanup. Because it’s a one-dish meal, you get your protein, veggies, and carbs all in one easy casserole. The zesty sauce, made with Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and paprika (hint: use smoked paprika for added barbecue flavor), is tasty and way better than the canned stuff. Finally, if you have little ones in your house, get them involved! When it’s time to line up the Tater Tots on top before baking, they can help set them in their rows. This casserole is a great option for dinner, potlucks, or even game-day gatherings.
Need a gluten-free option?
This casserole is easily converted to a gluten-free recipe with two ingredient checks. First, make sure you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Secondly, make sure the Tater Tots you use are also gluten-free. Ore-Ida, a widely available brand, is gluten-free, but always check the package. As long as those two ingredients are good to go, you’ve got a tasty, easy gluten-free main dish to serve and enjoy!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers of this casserole is a breeze. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. You can refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven set to 350°F until warmed through (the oven will re-crisp the Tater Tots a bit, so it’s my go-to option).
Serving suggestions
Since sloppy joe Tater Tot casserole is such a hearty main dish, you don’t need much as a side dish. For instance, a Caesar Salad or coleslaw made with homemade Coleslaw Dressing works really well. You can also serve this casserole along with game-day favorites like wings, nachos, or Loaded Baked Potato Dip as part of your spread when having friends over. It’s a great, make-ahead option for entertaining.
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 pound frozen Tater Tots
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the corn, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the mixture, then arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the Tater Tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
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