Sloppy Joe Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole takes all the familiar flavors of Sloppy Joes and turns them into a fun, fork-friendly meal. The crispy tater tots on top make every bite satisfying, while the gooey cheese and saucy beef underneath give it that comfort food vibe I crave. It’s a great make-ahead or freezer meal, and I can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit my mood or what I have on hand.

Ingredients

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

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup ketchup

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. I drain off the excess grease.

3. I stir in the green pepper, garlic, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder. I let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

4. I transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meat layer.

6. I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the top.

7. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

8. If I want extra cheese, I add more cheddar during the last 5 minutes of baking.

9. I let the casserole cool slightly before serving—it’s always best enjoyed warm and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes stir in a handful of corn or black beans for extra flavor and texture.

• For a spicy twist, I add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

• Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if I’m looking for a lighter version.

• I’ve even swapped in sweet potato tots for a different flavor and added nutrition.

• If I’m feeding a crowd, I double the recipe and bake it in two pans—leftovers never go to waste.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I bake a portion in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave for about 1–2 minutes per serving.
This casserole also freezes well. I assemble it up to the point of baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze it. When I’m ready to cook, I bake it from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the entire dish a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it right before serving. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

Nope, I add them straight from the freezer. They bake up crispy right in the oven without thawing.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. I’ve used mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses depending on what I have—cheddar just gives it that classic Sloppy Joe flavor.

What sides go well with this?

I usually pair it with a green salad, coleslaw, or steamed veggies to keep things balanced.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! The sweet, cheesy, tater-tot-topped combo makes it a hit with kids (and grown-ups too).

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is one of those meals I keep coming back to—it’s quick, comforting, and full of bold flavor. With a cheesy, meaty filling and golden tots on top, it checks every box for an easy weeknight dinner. Whether I make it for the family or bring it to a potluck, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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