Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
A comforting and flavorful casserole combining the classic sloppy joe filling with crispy tater tots and melted sharp cheddar cheese, topped with tangy dill pickles for the perfect balance of flavors. This Cheesy Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole is an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15% fat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups lightly packed baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lightly packed brown sugar
- 4 shakes Tabasco sauce
- 1/3 cup water
Toppings
- 5 1/2 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 package tater tots
- Chopped dill pickles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Onion and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until translucent and softened. Push the onion to the side of the pan, increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the top, then start breaking the meat apart and cook until browned and just cooked through.
- Wilt Spinach and Add Seasonings: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the baby spinach, stirring until wilted, which takes just a few minutes. Then add tomato paste, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ketchup, and Tabasco sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer to Thicken: Pour in the 1/3 cup water and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 minutes to thicken. The mixture will continue thickening once baked.
- Assemble Casserole: Smooth the sloppy joe mixture evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then arrange the tater tots next to each other over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Pickle Topping and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with finely diced dill pickles for a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the casserole. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet directly in the oven makes assembly and cleanup easier.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- The pickles are essential to cut through the richness; don’t skip them!
- This casserole can be made ahead up to step 5 and baked just before serving.
- Adjust Tabasco sauce amount to control the spice level.
