Description
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef in sloppy joe sauce, topped with cheese and crispy tater tots — comfort food in one dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ small onion, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 444 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1063 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: —
- Trans Fat: —
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg
