Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is a hearty casserole that that whole family will love. Transform this family favorite dinner into casserole form full of cheese, tater tots, and beef!
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Sloppy Joe Casserole takes everything you love about homemade sloppy joes and makes it even better. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy Sloppy Joe Casserole takes about 30 minutes to make and is great for leftovers.
One of our favorite casserole recipes, this easy weeknight meal has a ground beef mixture, golden brown tater tots, and plenty of cheddar cheese layered in a casserole dish.
The ground beef mixture stays true to classic sloppy joes, with tender ground beef, green bell pepper, and homemade sloppy joe sauce. But, instead of being served on hamburger buns, it is baked in this cheesy casserole.
Sloppy Joe Casserole reheats well and tastes just as good if not better the next day. Store this family dinner covered in the refrigerator and enjoy it throughout the week, or even freeze it for a rainy day.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Comfort Food Classic: Combines all the flavors of traditional Sloppy Joes with a crispy tater tot topping.
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults—no sandwich assembly required.
Quick and Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and everything bakes in one dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: Makes 8 hearty servings—perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Freezer-Friendly: Assemble ahead and freeze, then bake when ready for a no-stress dinner.
Ingredients to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole:
- ground beef: Use 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease.
- onion: Yellow or white onions both work well; dice finely for even cooking.
- green pepper: Adds a subtle crunch and classic Sloppy Joe flavor—optional but recommended.
- garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth; ½ teaspoon garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- ketchup: Forms the base of the sauce—use homemade if preferred.
- tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the mixture.
- worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness; don’t skip it.
- yellow mustard: Provides a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the ketchup.
- chili powder: Adds mild warmth without being spicy—adjust to taste.
- cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds a creamy layer under the tots.
- frozen tater tots: No need to thaw—bake straight from frozen for a crispier texture.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and cook onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the green pepper, garlic, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the ground beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Top with additional cheese if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Cook until no pink remains and the onions are soft for best flavor.
- Drain the Grease: After browning, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the beef mixture simmer to meld flavors and thicken slightly before baking.
- Even Layers Matter: Spread the beef mixture and cheese evenly in the dish to ensure every bite is balanced.
- Bake Until Golden: Tater tots should be crisp and golden—bake uncovered to help them crisp up.
- Add Extra Cheese: For extra indulgence, sprinkle more cheddar over the tots during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Customize the Veggies: Add corn, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Cucumber Onion Salad
- Honey Garlic Carrots
- Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables
- Chopped Mexican Salad
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes.
Freeze: Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, or until heated through and tots are crisp.
FAQs:
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative. Just be sure to season generously and drain any excess moisture after browning.
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold.
No, add them directly from the freezer.
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Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup onion
- 1 green pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the green pepper, garlic, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Top with additional cheese if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Cook until no pink remains and the onions are soft for best flavor.
- Drain the Grease: After browning, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the beef mixture simmer to meld flavors and thicken slightly before baking.
- Even Layers Matter: Spread the beef mixture and cheese evenly in the dish to ensure every bite is balanced.
- Bake Until Golden: Tater tots should be crisp and golden, bake uncovered to help them crisp up.
- Add Extra Cheese: For extra indulgence, sprinkle more cheddar over the tots during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Customize the Veggies: Add corn, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
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