Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Savory ground beef in a tangy Sloppy Joe sauce, topped with melted cheese and golden, crispy tater tots—this hearty casserole brings together everything you love about comfort food in one skillet.

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Ground beef (85% lean)1 lb
Onion, chopped1
Salt½ tsp
Pepper½ tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Paprika1 tsp
Garlic, minced1 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce1–2 tbsp
Tomato sauce1 (8 oz) can
Ketchup¼ cup
Mustard1 tbsp
BBQ sauce2 tbsp
Colby Jack cheese, shredded1½ cups
Crispy Crowns or tater tots30 oz bag
Dried parsley (for garnish)As desired

Method

Brown the Beef & Onion:
Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Add Cheese & Tots:
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Arrange the tater tots on top in a single, even layer, covering the surface completely.

Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese underneath is melted and bubbling.

Garnish & Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with dried parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot straight from the skillet for the ultimate cozy meal.

This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is everything you want in comfort food—savory, cheesy, crispy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing weekend dinner.