A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef in sloppy joe sauce, topped with melty cheddar cheese and golden tater tots — comfort food layered into one irresistibly satisfying dish. It’s everything I love about a sloppy joe and a tater tot casserole all baked into one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it delivers all the nostalgia of a classic sloppy joe with the crispy, cheesy, baked satisfaction of a casserole. It’s quick to prep, kid-friendly, and makes a perfect weeknight meal when I want something filling without fuss. The mix of savory, sweet, and tangy beef sauce paired with crispy tater tots is just irresistible. Plus, it’s super flexible — I can make it ahead, use different proteins, or adjust the flavor to my liking.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
½ small onion, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425 °F (about 220 °C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft. Then I drain off any excess fat.
I stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and a pinch of salt. I let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
I spread this beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Then, I sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer right on top.
It bakes in the oven until the tots are golden and crispy — about 25 minutes.
I pull it out, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and bake it for another 5 minutes until that cheese is melted and bubbly.
I let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (plus a few more for the final cheese melt)
Total Time: Around 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes like to switch up the protein and use ground turkey or ground chicken to lighten it up. For a bit of heat, I add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If I’m out of cheddar, I go for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a spicier twist. And if I want a more veggie-packed version, I throw in corn, peas, or diced carrots with the beef.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the tots crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but I find the tots get a little soft. If I’m making it ahead, I assemble the casserole without the tater tots, refrigerate it, then top it with tots and bake when ready to serve.

FAQs

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

I make sure to arrange the tater tots in a single layer and bake them uncovered. I also avoid adding too much sauce, which can make them soggy underneath.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it (without the tater tots) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. When I'm ready to bake, I just add the tots on top and proceed with baking.

What kind of cheese works best?

I like sharp cheddar for its flavor, but I’ve also used Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack with great results. Freshly shredded cheese always melts better than the pre-shredded kind.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before, I wrap it tightly and freeze up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. If it’s already baked, I reheat portions in the oven for the best texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely — it’s one of those meals kids love. The sweet and tangy sloppy joe flavor with cheesy tots is always a hit at my table.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is my go-to when I want a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and totally satisfying. With just a few pantry staples, I can whip up a bubbly, golden dish that hits all the right notes of comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy, and has that perfect crunch — what’s not to love?

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins (plus additional cheese melt time)
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course / Casserole
Method: Baking / Skillet + Oven
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef in sloppy joe sauce, topped with cheese and crispy tater tots — comfort food in one dish.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 °F (about 220 °C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake until the tater tots are golden and crispy, about 25 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tots, then return to oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten it.
Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) for better melting.
To make ahead: assemble (without tater tots) and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add tater tots and bake just before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in airtight container up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
If topping seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water before baking.