Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

 Ground beef, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots team up in this ultimate family-friendly one-pan bake. It’s flavorsome, fun, and effortless—perfect for busy weeknights or potluck-style dinners. Let’s turn that nostalgic sloppy joe into a warm, satisfying casserole everyone will love.

My Nonna may not have cooked sloppy joes this way, but she’d appreciate how this casserole transforms classic comfort into a quick, hearty meal. She used to say a good dinner should bring people together—this one certainly does.ome – East TN Family Fun

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Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

September 15, 2025 by Max

Ground beef, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots team up in this ultimate family-friendly one-pan bake. It’s flavorsome, fun, and effortless—perfect for busy weeknights or potluck-style dinners. Let’s turn that nostalgic sloppy joe into a warm, satisfying casserole everyone will love.

My Nonna may not have cooked sloppy joes this way, but she’d appreciate how this casserole transforms classic comfort into a quick, hearty meal. She used to say a good dinner should bring people together—this one certainly does.

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Ezoic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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TATER TOT EGG BAKE

One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, less cleanup

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Ezoic

Comfort Food Upgrade – Sloppy joe meets tater tots in delicious harmony

Family-Friendly – Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing

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Ezoic

Quick & Easy – Ready from stovetop to table in 35 minutes

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Ezoic

Flexible Flavors – Easy to tweak with favorite seasonings or sauces

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

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1 onion, chopped

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp minced garlic

1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

8 oz can tomato sauce

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¼ cup ketchup

1 tbsp mustard

2 tbsp BBQ sauce

1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

30 oz bag Crispy Crowns or tater tots

Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef & Onion

Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until the beef is fully browned, then drain excess grease.

2. Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. Let the mixture simmer on low for a couple of minutes to blend flavors.

3. Add Cheese & Tots

Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the meat mixture. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer across the top.

4. Bake to Perfection

Transfer to a 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish &ome – East TN Family Fun

Menu

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

September 15, 2025 by Max

Ground beef, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots team up in this ultimate family-friendly one-pan bake. It’s flavorsome, fun, and effortless—perfect for busy weeknights or potluck-style dinners. Let’s turn that nostalgic sloppy joe into a warm, satisfying casserole everyone will love.

My Nonna may not have cooked sloppy joes this way, but she’d appreciate how this casserole transforms classic comfort into a quick, hearty meal. She used to say a good dinner should bring people together—this one certainly does.

×

Ezoic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Now Playing

x

video of: TATER TOT EGG BAKEPlay Video

TATER TOT EGG BAKE

Watch on

Video channel logo

TATER TOT EGG BAKE

One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, less cleanup

×

Ezoic

Comfort Food Upgrade – Sloppy joe meets tater tots in delicious harmony

Family-Friendly – Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing

×

Ezoic

Quick & Easy – Ready from stovetop to table in 35 minutes

×

Ezoic

Flexible Flavors – Easy to tweak with favorite seasonings or sauces

×

Ezoic

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

×

Ezoic

1 onion, chopped

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp minced garlic

1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

8 oz can tomato sauce

×

Ezoic

¼ cup ketchup

1 tbsp mustard

2 tbsp BBQ sauce

1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

30 oz bag Crispy Crowns or tater tots

Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef & Onion

Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until the beef is fully browned, then drain excess grease.

2. Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. Let the mixture simmer on low for a couple of minutes to blend flavors.

3. Add Cheese & Tots

Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the meat mixture. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer across the top.

4. Bake to Perfection

Transfer to a 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with dried parsley, and serve immediately.

Make It Your Own

Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option

Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for bold flavor

Stir in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick

Add frozen corn or bell peppers to the meat mix for extra veggies

Top with sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream

Tips for Success

Preheat the oven fully—this ensures crispy tots

Don’t overcrowd the skillet—tater tots need space to crisp

Drain grease well to avoid soggy results

Use a metal pan for even heat conduction

Let it rest briefly—makes clean slicing easier

Serving Suggestions

Pair with coleslaw or steamed green beans for balance

Serve alongside a simple tossed salad or corn on the cob

Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo or ranch for dipping tots

Great served in bowls or straight from the pan for casual dining

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes—avoids soggy tots

Not freezer-friendly—tots lose their texture when thawed

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is weeknight dinner brilliance in one pan. It’s nostalgic, cheesy, and effortless—perfect when you crave comfort without the fuss. A true crowd-pleaser any day of the week.