Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Experience the savory goodness of a hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole, where tender beef meets crispy tater tots and melted cheddar for the ultimate comfort dish. Perfect for satisfying both big and small appetites.
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Servings: 8 Servings
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots see note
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 3/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning the rack in the upper third for even baking.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, crumbling it with a spoon as it browns, about 10 minutes. If using fattier beef, drain any excess grease, but for lean beef, it's optional.
- Add the chopped onions and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and beef broth. Combine everything well, letting the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes. Be sure it doesn't dry out.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly. If your skillet is oven-safe and large enough, you can skip transferring to a dish and keep it all in one pan.
- Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over the meat layer, then arrange the frozen tater tots neatly on top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the tots to become golden and crisp.
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully. Serve hot, adding extra salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- Tater tot packages vary; 32 oz. works, but adjust based on arrangement in the baking dish.
- Ingredients can be salty; consider reduced sodium broth and limit extra salt.
- Serves 6-8.