Sloppy Joe Tater Tots (Printable Version)
Hearty ground beef simmers in tangy sauce, topped with melty cheese and crispy tater tots for a cozy dinner.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Meat and Aromatics
01 -
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
02 -
1 cup chopped onion (firm, shiny skin)
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Spices and Sauces
04 -
1 teaspoon salt
05 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
06 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 cup tomato sauce (no added sugar)
10 -
¼ cup ketchup
11 -
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
12 -
¼ cup barbecue sauce
→ Cheese and Topping
13 -
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
14 -
32 ounces frozen tater tots
→ Garnish
15 -
1 teaspoon dried parsley
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking beef into small crumbles, stirring frequently until deeply browned.
02 -
Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to evenly distribute spices and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
03 -
Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for at least 3 minutes, adding a splash of water if mixture looks dry.
04 -
Turn off the heat. Evenly spread shredded Colby Jack cheese over the beef mixture to create a melty top layer.
05 -
Arrange frozen tater tots in overlapping rows over the cheese. Preheat oven to 400°F and bake on middle rack for 25 minutes until tots are golden and crispy, and sauce bubbles around edges.
06 -
Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes. Sprinkle dried parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot, ensuring to scoop all layers.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For crispiest topping, do not thaw tater tots before baking.
02 -
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and gooey consistency.
03 -
An oven-safe skillet streamlines cooking but casserole can be transferred to a baking dish before baking.