Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is what occurs when two weeknight favorites come collectively in a single severely satisfying dinner. This recipe has all of the wealthy, saucy taste you like in a basic sloppy joe, but it surely’s baked underneath a crispy layer of golden tater tots and completed off with melty cheddar cheese. It’s straightforward to throw collectively and hits the spot each time.
This can be a mixture of my sloppy joe recipe and our tater tot casserole.
Why My Recipe
- Layers tacky tater tots over a home made Sloppy Joe combine for the last word consolation meals combo
- Makes use of actual greens and pantry staples for a hearty, from-scratch taste
- Finishes with loads of melty cheddar on high for that good tacky crust
We’re not utilizing any canned sloppy joe combine right here. This one’s produced from scratch with actual elements, together with recent veggies, savory tomato sauce, and some spices to provide it that signature tangy kick. Should you’ve received choosy eaters at dwelling, this one’s a win. It’s a enjoyable, filling meal the entire household can agree on, and it makes wonderful leftovers too (if there are any!)
Ingredient Notes
- Floor Beef: Use 85/15 or leaner. You can too swap in floor turkey or rooster if most well-liked.
- White Onion: A yellow onion works simply as effectively if that’s what you’ve got readily available.
- Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Provides basic sloppy joe taste. Crimson or yellow bell pepper can be utilized for a barely sweeter style.
- Celery Ribs: Provides a little bit of crunch and taste. Cube them small so that they soften properly within the skillet.
- Minced Garlic: Recent is finest, however you should utilize 1 teaspoon garlic powder if wanted.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory taste.
- Tomato Sauce: One common 15-ounce can is all you want.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the combination and boosts that tomato taste.
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes with only a contact of sweetness. You can too use common granulated sugar in the identical quantity.
- Salt: Enhances all of the flavors.
- Floor Mustard: Provides a little bit tang. Should you don’t have it, you possibly can go away it out.
- Black Pepper: Provides a little bit of spice.
- Crushed Crimson Pepper Flakes: Completely optionally available, however nice for a little bit warmth.
- Frozen Tater Tots: Use a 32-ounce bag and don’t thaw them. Prepare in a single layer for the crispiest high.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded in the event you can—it melts higher. You’ll use half within the center and the remaining on high.
Tater Tot Topping Ideas
Should you’re all about that golden, crispy high, we’ve received you lined. The important thing to crispy tater tots is not thawing them. Preserve them frozen till you’re prepared to make use of them, and ensure to rearrange them in a single layer with no overlaps. You need each to have an opportunity to crisp up within the oven.
For an additional crispy end, you possibly can transfer the casserole to the highest oven rack for the final 5 minutes or so. Need to go even additional? Flip the oven to broil and maintain a detailed eye on it. It solely takes a minute or two so as to add that golden crunch.
Additionally, don’t skip the layer of cheese within the center. It acts like a glue that helps maintain all the pieces collectively, whereas the cheese on high will get completely melty and bubbly.
Crispy or Gooey Cheese
This recipe is written to provide you a crisp, golden cheese topping. Sprinkling all of the cheese on initially means it bakes up bubbly and toasty by the point the tater tots are performed. It provides a pleasant texture that pairs completely with the crispy tots.
However in the event you’re extra into that gooey, melty cheese pull, there’s a straightforward repair. Simply maintain again the cheese that goes on high and add it over the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. That approach, it melts easily with out crisping up an excessive amount of.
Both approach works, so it’s completely as much as what you and your crew like finest.
Make Forward and Freezer Meals
This casserole is ideal for prepping forward. You may assemble it absolutely, cowl it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. Should you go this route, let it sit at room temp for 20 to half-hour whereas the oven preheats, then bake as regular.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (with out baking), wrap it effectively in foil, and pop it within the freezer. It’ll maintain for as much as 3 months. If you’re able to bake, thaw it in a single day within the fridge after which bake as directed. Chances are you’ll want so as to add 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time.
Have leftovers? They freeze nice too. Simply portion them out into freezer-safe containers. If you’re able to reheat, bake at 350°F till warmed via or microwave in brief bursts, stirring in between.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Probably not. You want the dry warmth of the oven to crisp up the tater tots. A sluggish cooker will go away them tender and soggy.
You should use 1/4 cup of ketchup as an alternative. It’s a little bit sweeter, but it surely does work. Simply omit the brown sugar.
Completely. Use two 9×13 pans or one huge lasagna-style pan. Add an additional 10 to fifteen minutes to the bake time if it’s further thick.
Cheddar is basic, however Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and even Pepper Jack work nice too.
Serving Recommendations
This casserole is wealthy and tacky, so pairing it with one thing recent or gentle helps steadiness out the meal. You don’t want a lot. This one’s a meal all by itself, however a little bit one thing on the aspect makes it really feel further full. Listed here are just a few straightforward aspect concepts:
- A crisp inexperienced salad with a easy French dressing
- Steamed or roasted inexperienced beans
- Applesauce or recent fruit for a kid-friendly twist
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Leftovers ought to be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge. They’ll maintain effectively for as much as 4 days.
Reheat: For the perfect texture, reheat within the oven at 350°F till warmed via. Cowl loosely with foil if the highest is browning too shortly. For single parts, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between every, till scorching all through.
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