Description
This comforting Sloppy Joe Casserole layers seasoned ground beef with tender vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and crispy Tater Tots, all topped with melted Cheddar cheese and optional dill pickles for added zest. It's a cozy, family-friendly dish that combines the flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe sandwich in an easy-to-bake casserole form.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ½ tablespoon packed brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 8 oz Tater Tots frozen potatoes (or frozen hash browns)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅛ cup chopped dill pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 7x5-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef: In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add vegetables: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Make the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and salt. Continue cooking the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches a boil and the flavors meld.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef. Layer the remaining Tater Tots on top, followed by the remaining ½ cup of Cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the potatoes are lightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle the chopped dill pickles on top if using. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen hash browns for Tater Tots if preferred.
- Chopped dill pickles are optional but add a nice tangy contrast to the rich beef and cheese.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and leaner ground beef.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
