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Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

This one-skillet casserole combines the sweet-tangy flavors of sloppy joes with a crispy tater tot topping, making it a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef Use lean ground beef for a less greasy casserole.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 0.75 cup ketchup Adjust to taste for sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth Can substitute with beef broth if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided 1 cup for mixing in, 1 cup for topping.
  • 1 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots Do not thaw before using.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) Adds color and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion, cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
  3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  4. Add ketchup, chicken broth, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the skillet, stirring until combined and let simmer for 3 minutes.
  5. Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Layer the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the beef mixture.
  7. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
  9. Garnish with parsley before serving. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure to drain the grease for a less oily texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container. For variations, you can use ground turkey, add jalapeños for heat, or substitute tater tots with cauliflower tots.