Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that transforms the classic sloppy joe flavors into a hearty baked casserole. Featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 3/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Toppings
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon for about 10 minutes. For lean beef, draining fat is optional; drain if excess fat is present with regular beef.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the beef. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.
- Add Seasonings: Lower the heat to medium and stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, optional crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, and beef broth. Mix well and let the mixture warm through for 2-3 minutes without letting it dry out.
- Prepare Casserole Base: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Alternatively, use a large oven-safe skillet to combine steps.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Remove from oven, season with extra salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat; drain if necessary for non-lean beef.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you can cook and bake the casserole in the same pan for easy cleanup.
- Frozen tater tots ensure a crispy topping; do not thaw before baking.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
