🥔 Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole 🧀

The Ultimate Comfort Food—a hearty, cheesy bake that combines the flavors of classic sloppy joes with crispy golden tater tots.

🥘 Ingredients

**Preheat Oven:** Heat oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a **9×13-inch baking dish**.
**Cook the Meat Mixture:** In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until meat is **browned** and veggies are softened, about 6–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Drain excess grease if needed.
**Add Sloppy Joe Sauce:** Pour in the sloppy joe sauce (or homemade mix). Stir in corn if using. **Simmer for 3–4 minutes** to thicken slightly. Season with a little salt & pepper to taste.
**Assemble the Casserole:** Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle **1 cup shredded cheddar** over the top. Arrange **tater tots in a single layer** across the top (like a crust).
**Bake:** Bake uncovered for **30–35 minutes**, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
**Add Final Cheese Layer:** Remove from oven, sprinkle **remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese** over the tots. Return to oven for another **5 minutes**, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Serve & Garnish:** Let rest **5 minutes** before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Swap beef with **ground chicken, pork, or turkey**.
Add extra veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a hidden boost.
For a spicy kick, mix in **jalapeños or hot sauce** with the sloppy joe filling.
Make it extra creamy by stirring in **½ cup sour cream** into the meat mixture before baking.

As requested, I can provide a quick **homemade sloppy joe sauce recipe** in case you don’t want to use canned.

Would you like that homemade sauce recipe?