Description
This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining savory ground beef in a tangy Sloppy Joe sauce with crispy baked tater tots and melted cheese, perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1½ cups ketchup
- 6 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Other
- 1 (32-oz) bag tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer this mixture gently for about 5 minutes to blend flavors. Add the Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer. Then, evenly arrange the tater tots on top of the cheese and meat mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the tater tots to cook through and crisp up while the flavors meld together.
- Final Cheese Topping: After the initial baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute Velveeta with any creamy processed cheese or mild cream cheese for a different texture.
- Adjust chili powder amount to your desired spice level.
- For a lower-fat version, use leaner ground beef and reduce cheese amount.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve, adding extra baking time if going in cold.
- Make sure to spray the baking dish well to avoid sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
