Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is what occurs when two weeknight favorites come collectively in a single significantly satisfying dinner. This recipe has all of the wealthy, saucy taste you like in a basic sloppy joe, nevertheless it’s baked underneath a crispy layer of golden tater tots and completed off with melty cheddar cheese. It’s simple to throw collectively and hits the spot each time.
This can be a mixture of my sloppy joe recipe and our tater tot casserole.
Why My Recipe
- Layers tacky tater tots over a do-it-yourself Sloppy Joe combine for the last 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 prime for that excellent tacky crust
We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s comprised of scratch with actual substances, together with contemporary veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to offer it that signature tangy kick. In the event you’ve obtained choosy eaters at house, 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 too can swap in floor turkey or rooster if most well-liked.
- White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as effectively if that’s what you will have readily available.
- Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides basic sloppy joe taste. Pink 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 so that they soften properly within the skillet.
- Minced Garlic: Recent is greatest, 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 too can use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
- Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
- Floor Mustard: Provides a bit tang. In the event you don’t have it, you possibly can go away it out.
- Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
- Crushed Pink Pepper Flakes: Completely elective, however nice for a bit warmth.
- Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Prepare in a single layer for the crispiest prime.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded in case you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remainder on prime.
Tater Tot Topping Suggestions
In the event you’re all about that golden, crispy prime, we’ve obtained 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 each 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 maintain an in depth 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 every little thing collectively, whereas the cheese on prime 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 originally means it bakes up bubbly and toasty by the point the tater tots are carried out. It provides a pleasant texture that pairs completely with the crispy tots.
However in case you’re extra into that gooey, melty cheese pull, there’s a simple repair. Simply maintain again the cheese that goes on prime and add it over the past 5 to 10 minutes of baking. That approach, it melts easily with out crisping up an excessive amount of.
Both approach works, so it’s completely as much as what you and your crew like greatest.
Make Forward and Freezer Meals
This casserole is ideal for prepping forward. You may assemble it absolutely, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. In the event you go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to half-hour whereas the oven preheats, then bake as standard.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (with out baking), wrap it effectively in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. Whenever 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. Whenever you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed by means of or microwave in brief bursts, stirring in between.
Continuously Requested Questions
Probably not. You want the dry warmth of the oven to crisp up the tater tots. A sluggish cooker will go away them tender and soggy.
You should use 1/4 cup of ketchup as a substitute. It’s a bit sweeter, nevertheless it does work. Simply omit the brown sugar.
Completely. Use two 9×13 pans or one large lasagna-style pan. Add an additional 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time if it’s additional thick.
Cheddar is basic, 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 contemporary or gentle helps stability out the meal. You don’t want a lot. This one’s a meal all by itself, however a bit one thing on the aspect makes it really feel additional full. Listed below are just a few simple aspect concepts:
- A crisp inexperienced salad with a easy French dressing
- Steamed or roasted inexperienced beans
- Applesauce or contemporary fruit for a kid-friendly twist
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Leftovers must be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge. They’ll maintain effectively for as much as 4 days.
Reheat: For one of the best 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 right through.
