Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is what happens when two weeknight favorites come together in one seriously satisfying dinner. This recipe has all the rich, saucy flavor you love in a classic sloppy joe, but it’s baked under a crispy layer of golden tater tots and finished off with melty cheddar cheese. It’s easy to throw together and hits the spot every time.
This is a combination of my sloppy joe recipe and our tater tot casserole.
Why My Recipe
- Layers cheesy tater tots over a homemade Sloppy Joe mix for the ultimate comfort food combo
- Uses real vegetables and pantry staples for a hearty, from-scratch flavor
- Finishes with plenty of melty cheddar on top for that perfect cheesy crust
We’re not using any canned sloppy joe mix here. This one’s made from scratch with real ingredients, including fresh veggies, savory tomato sauce, and a few spices to give it that signature tangy kick. If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this one’s a win. It’s a fun, filling meal the whole family can agree on, and it makes amazing leftovers too (if there are any!)
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- White Onion: A yellow onion works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds classic sloppy joe flavor. Red or yellow bell pepper can be used for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Celery Ribs: Adds a bit of crunch and flavor. Dice them small so they soften nicely in the skillet.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can use 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, savory flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: One regular 15-ounce can is all you need.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the mixture and boosts that tomato flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes with just a touch of sweetness. You can also use regular granulated sugar in the same amount.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Ground Mustard: Adds a little tang. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but great for a little heat.
- Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Arrange in a single layer for the crispiest top.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded if you can—it melts better. You’ll use part in the middle and the rest on top.
Tater Tot Topping Tips
If you’re all about that golden, crispy top, we’ve got you covered. The key to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Keep them frozen until you’re ready to use them, and make sure to arrange them in a single layer with no overlaps. You want each one to have a chance to crisp up in the oven.
For an extra crispy finish, you can move the casserole to the top oven rack for the last 5 minutes or so. Want to go even further? Flip the oven to broil and keep a close eye on it. It only takes a minute or two to add that golden crunch.
Also, don’t skip the layer of cheese in the middle. It acts like a glue that helps hold everything together, while the cheese on top gets perfectly melty and bubbly.
Crispy or Gooey Cheese
This recipe is written to give you a crisp, golden cheese topping. Sprinkling all the cheese on at the beginning means it bakes up bubbly and toasty by the time the tater tots are done. It adds a nice texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy tots.
But if you’re more into that gooey, melty cheese pull, there’s an easy fix. Just hold back the cheese that goes on top and add it during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. That way, it melts smoothly without crisping up too much.
Either way works, so it’s totally up to what you and your crew like best.
Make Ahead and Freezer Meals
This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble it fully, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it well in foil, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. You may need to add 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time.
Have leftovers? They freeze great too. Just portion them out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not really. You need the dry heat of the oven to crisp up the tater tots. A slow cooker will leave them soft and soggy.
You can use 1/4 cup of ketchup instead. It’s a little sweeter, but it does work. Just leave out the brown sugar.
Absolutely. Use two 9×13 pans or one big lasagna-style pan. Add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time if it’s extra thick.
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack work great too.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich and cheesy, so pairing it with something fresh or light helps balance out the meal. You don’t need much. This one’s a meal all on its own, but a little something on the side makes it feel extra complete. Here are a few easy side ideas:
- A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted green beans
- Applesauce or fresh fruit for a kid-friendly twist
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil if the top is browning too quickly. For single portions, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until hot all the way through.
