Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet! With its flavorful ground beef filling, zesty sauce, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese, this skillet dish is a one-pan wonder that brings back memories of cozy gatherings and game nights at home. The star ingredient here? Worcestershire sauce, adding a depth of flavor that sets this dish apart from the rest.

I first whipped up this Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet for friends, and it was a hit! Now, it’s a regular request whenever we gather for family game night. The versatility of this dish is another reason to love it – swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or try plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Missing an ingredient? No worries! There are plenty of substitutions to keep this recipe flexible and delicious.

Whether you’re serving this skillet for a cozy night in or a fun-filled gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Add your favorite sides like a crisp green salad or some pickles, and don’t forget the hot sauce and scallions for an extra kick of flavor. This Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a modern twist on classic comfort food, bringing together the best of Sloppy Joes and tater tot casserole in one delicious dish.

Quick Benefits

Hearty and satisfying family-friendly meal
Depth of flavor from Worcestershire sauce
Versatile – can be customized with different proteins and cheeses
Easy to prepare in advance for quick weeknight dinners

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Family-Friendly Comfort Food: The Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
Easy and Fuss-Free: This recipe is straightforward to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Savory and Tangy Flavor: The combination of savory beef filling, tangy sauce, golden tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese creates a delicious and comforting flavor profile.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Whether it’s a game night with friends or a cozy Sunday dinner, this skillet meal is guaranteed to be a hit and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping ingredients like ground beef for turkey or chicken, or trying different types of cheese to suit your preferences.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance, then simply add the tater tots and cheese before serving, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Creative Serving Suggestions: Pair this skillet with classic sides like salad and pickles, or get creative with kid-friendly options like carrot sticks and apple slices. Hot sauce and chopped scallions offer an extra flavor kick.
Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe puts a fun American spin on classic Sloppy Joes and tater tot casserole, offering a tasty piece of midwestern comfort food nostalgia.
Adaptable for Different Seasons: From adding corn or bell peppers in the summer to sneaking in some baby spinach during colder months, this recipe can be modified to suit seasonal produce and preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

Main

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
32 ounces frozen tater tots

Pro Tips for Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

To make the Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet, consider baking the tater tots first for optimal crispiness. This ensures they are golden and crunchy before layering them onto the savory beef mixture. Additionally, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and add the tots and cheese just before serving to maintain their textures and flavors.

For a flavor twist, try incorporating diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or extra paprika in the meat mixture to add some heat to the dish. While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for topping, feel free to experiment with other options like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile that melts beautifully. These tips will help you elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable for your family and friends.

How to Make Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots

Follow package instructions to bake frozen tater tots in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and crisp.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until beef is thoroughly browned, breaking it into crumbles.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Combine minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika in the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Sauces

Lower heat to medium-low. Combine tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5: Add Tater Tots

Evenly place crispy tater tots on top of the beef mixture in the skillet.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Broil

Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots in the skillet. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed the delicious Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring the leftovers into an airtight container. Refrigerate the dish promptly, and it can be safely stored for up to three days. For the best results, when reheating, it is recommended to use the oven or an air fryer to help maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots. While the microwave can be used if you’re short on time, be aware that it may compromise the crunchy exterior of the tots.

If you’re looking to customize the dish further, feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, and plant-based crumbles offer a vegetarian alternative. In case you’re missing Worcestershire sauce, a combination of soy sauce and brown sugar can provide a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, if cheddar cheese is unavailable, options like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used as substitutes. Remember to serve the Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet piping hot for a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, ground turkey or chicken can be easily swapped for the ground beef. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. For a vegetarian option, plant-based crumbles can be used to replace the meat entirely.

In case Worcestershire sauce is missing from your pantry, you can create a similar depth of flavor by combining a splash of soy sauce with a pinch of brown sugar. This substitution will help maintain the umami richness that Worcestershire sauce adds to the dish. Additionally, if cheddar cheese is unavailable, alternatives like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used to provide a gooey, melty topping for your skillet.

Experiment with additional ingredients to customize the dish to your liking. Consider adding diced jalapeños or extra paprika for a spicy kick. For a boost of freshness and color, toss in some diced bell peppers or fold in baby spinach before layering the tater tots. These substitutions and additions can elevate the flavors and textures of the dish while allowing for personalization based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try topping individual servings of the Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and creaminess. The coolness of the sour cream complements the savory and tangy flavors of the dish, while the parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Another fun idea is to serve the Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet in individual mini skillets or ramekins for a charming and personalized presentation. This way, each person gets their own perfectly portioned dish, and you can customize the toppings for each one – think extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for an extra flavor boost.

FAQs for Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef. Adjust seasoning as desired for best flavor.

Should I bake the tater tots first before adding them to the skillet?

It’s best to bake the tater tots first, ensuring they’re golden and crispy before layering them onto the beef mixture.

Can I prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance, then add tots and cheese just before serving to maintain texture.

How can I add more heat to the dish?

For added heat, include diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or increase the paprika in the meat mixture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of comfort food in one dish. The savory beef filling, tangy sauce, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese create a medley of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this skillet is bound to become a favorite go-to recipe for its simplicity and deliciousness.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize this Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Experiment with different protein options, cheese varieties, or add in your favorite vegetables to make it your own. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ability to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand. So whip up a batch of this comforting skillet, share it with your loved ones, and savor the delightful flavors of this classic American-inspired meal.

Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

“Satisfyingly savory Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet, a cozy one-pan wonder with a tangy twist and crispy topping, perfect for family game night or impromptu gatherings.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time35 min

Total Time50 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (One skillet main course)

Ingredients

Main

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
32 ounces frozen tater tots

Instructions

Prepare the Tater Tots: Follow package instructions to bake frozen tater tots in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and crisp.
Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until beef is thoroughly browned, breaking it into crumbles.
Season the Mixture: Combine minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika in the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Incorporate Sauces: Lower heat to medium-low. Combine tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Add Tater Tots: Evenly place crispy tater tots on top of the beef mixture in the skillet.
Top with Cheese and Broil: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots in the skillet. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.