Description

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Bake is a hearty and comforting family meal that combines flavorful ground beef cooked in savory Sloppy Joe sauce with crispy baked tater tots, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a satisfying twist on classic Sloppy Joes by baking all the delicious components together for a warm, cheesy, and crispy finish.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce
2 cups frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the dish.
Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced onion and bell pepper until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once fully cooked.
Mix in Sloppy Joe sauce: Stir the Sloppy Joe sauce into the browned beef and vegetable mixture, then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Assemble the bake: Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in a baking dish to form the base layer.
Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the Sloppy Joe layer, ensuring they cover the mixture completely.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Cool and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and to avoid burning yourself.

Notes

You can substitute frozen tater tots with sweet potato tots for a slightly healthier option.
If preferred, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the Sloppy Joe mixture for extra depth of flavor.
This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.