Sloppy Joe Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending the tangy richness of seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and the crisp, golden goodness of tater tots. Its hearty appeal makes it an ideal family dinner or potluck dish, offering a balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures. With just a few pantry staples, this easy-to-make casserole becomes a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients Overview

This recipe uses a combination of simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create a rich and flavorful dish. The star of the casserole is lean ground beef, which is browned to perfection and seasoned with a blend of ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These condiments add tanginess and depth, elevating the traditional sloppy joe flavor. Worcestershire sauce and a dash of white vinegar provide an extra layer of umami, while beef broth ensures the filling remains moist and flavorful.

For texture and balance, chopped onion and diced bell pepper are sautéed with the beef, lending a slight sweetness and crunch. The crowning glory is the layer of crispy tater tots, which bake to golden perfection, providing a delightful contrast to the tender meat mixture. Grated cheddar cheese is sprinkled generously throughout, offering a creamy, melty touch that complements every bite.

Substitutions are easy with this recipe: swap the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier kick, or replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version. If you’re feeling adventurous, add spices like cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the upper third to achieve even cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding the lean ground beef. As the beef browns, break it apart with a wooden spoon until the meat is fully cooked, which takes about 10 minutes. If there’s excessive fat, drain it off, although with lean beef, this step may not be necessary.

Next, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet, sautéing for another five minutes. The vegetables should soften, releasing their flavors into the beef. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, and beef broth. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Be mindful not to let the mixture dry out; it should remain slightly saucy to ensure the casserole remains moist after baking.

Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. If your skillet is oven-safe and large enough, you can leave the mixture in the skillet, cutting down on dishes. Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over the beef, then neatly arrange the frozen tater tots on top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the tots to become crispy and golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, returning it to the oven for another five minutes to let the cheese melt. Serve immediately, seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

For the crispiest tater tots, bake the casserole uncovered and avoid overcrowding the tots on top.
To adjust seasoning, taste the beef mixture before layering it in the casserole dish. Add more smoked paprika for a richer flavor or toss in jalapeños for heat.
If you prefer making the dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole without baking it. Store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers reheat wonderfully! Simply warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Sloppy Joe Casserole pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp side dishes that balance its richness. A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the casserole. Alternatively, steamed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli work well, adding color and nutrients to the meal. For those who prefer a classic combo, a side of coleslaw with a tangy, creamy dressing will complement the dish perfectly.

For beverages, consider iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing accompaniment, or opt for a cold, light beer to cut through the hearty flavors. If you’re serving this casserole at a family gathering, fruit punch or soda are excellent choices to round out the meal.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this Sloppy Joe Casserole lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. If you’re a bacon lover, crisp up a few slices and sprinkle them over the cheese layer for a smoky, salty touch. For a Tex-Mex variation, swap the cheddar for a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cumin to the beef mixture.

If you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground beef alternative. You could also try replacing the tater tots with mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s pie-inspired version. The possibilities are endless, making this casserole an adaptable dish that suits every palate.

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a timeless, satisfying dish that hits all the right notes for a hearty family dinner. Its bold flavors and crispy, cheesy topping make it irresistible to both kids and adults. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight meal or a potluck with friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Feel free to get creative with toppings or mix-ins, and don’t be afraid to make it your own! The simplicity of the dish leaves plenty of room for experimentation, and the result is always delicious.

Ingredients

32 ounces frozen tater tots (see note)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
3/4 cup tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning the rack in the upper third for even baking.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, crumbling it with a spoon as it browns, about 10 minutes. If using fattier beef, drain any excess grease, but for lean beef, it’s optional.

Add the chopped onions and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and beef broth. Combine everything well, letting the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes. Be sure it doesn’t dry out.

Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly. If your skillet is oven-safe and large enough, you can skip transferring to a dish and keep it all in one pan.

Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over the meat layer, then arrange the frozen tater tots neatly on top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the tots to become golden and crisp.

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully. Serve hot, adding extra salt and pepper if desired.