Go Back
–+ servings
Square overhead shot of Sloppy Joe tater tot casserole in a white dish.
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

This hearty casserole layers sweet and tangy sloppy joe filling with melted cheddar and a crispy tater tot topping. It's an easy, family-friendly dinner that bakes up in about an hour.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword sloppy joe and tater tot casserole, sloppy joe casserole with tater tots, sloppy joe tater tot casserole, tater tot sloppy joe casserole
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 526kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Equipment

  • 9 x 13-Inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 medium sweet bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 large clove)
  • 1 (24 ounce) can sloppy joe sauce* (such as Manwich)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 (28 ounce) package frozen tater tots

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain off the excess grease. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and corn. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
    Process shot showing how to make the filling for a Sloppy Joe tater tot casserole.
  • Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer to cover the filling.
    Sloppy Joe tater tot casserole in a white baking dish before it goes in the oven.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown. For a crispier topping, place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely.
    Horizontal overhead image of a white dish full of Sloppy Joe tater tot casserole after baking.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
    Square overhead shot of a Sloppy Joe tater tot casserole in a white bowl with a blue rim.

Notes

  • Use the 24-oz can of Manwich, not the smaller 15-oz size. You need the full amount of sauce to coat the filling properly.
  • Don't thaw the tater tots before adding them. Frozen tots give you a crispier topping.
  • Broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes for the best crunch. Watch closely so the tots don't burn.
  • Cheese options: Sharp cheddar works great, but Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are all good swaps.
  • Protein swaps: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of ground beef.
  • Veggie swaps: Try green beans, peas, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini in place of the bell pepper or corn. Cook or thaw fresh or frozen veggies before adding to the filling.
  • Make-ahead: Assemble the filling up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add cheese and tater tots right before baking, and allow a few extra minutes of bake time if the filling is still cold.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8 of the casserole | Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1455mg | Potassium: 824mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 942IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 3mg