Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Two childhood favorites come together in one seriously satisfying comfort-food dinner. This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole starts with a rich, saucy ground beef filling seasoned with Blazing Star BBQ All In One Seasoning, Original BBQ Sauce, mustard, and Fireshire. It is topped with freshly shredded cheese and a crispy layer of seasoned tater tots for a family meal that disappears fast.

Recipe Details

Servings	6 to 8 servings
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons Blazing Star BBQ All In One Seasoning, plus a light sprinkle for the tater tots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Blazing Star BBQ Original Sauce
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 tablespoon Bear & Burton’s Fireshire
• 8 ounces freshly shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• 1 bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef. Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook while breaking it apart until browned, then drain most of the grease.
2. Add the vegetables and seasoning. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons of Blazing Star BBQ All In One Seasoning. Stir and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Build the sloppy joe filling. Add the minced garlic, Original BBQ Sauce, mustard, and Fireshire. Stir until evenly combined.
4. Simmer the filling. Reduce the heat and allow the sloppy joe mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Assemble the casserole. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Add the cheese and tater tots. Sprinkle the freshly shredded cheese evenly over the sloppy joe filling. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a layer over the cheese and lightly season them with additional All In One Seasoning.
7. Bake the casserole. Bake uncovered at 425°F for approximately 25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Rest and serve. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving hot.

Mike’s Notes

• Let the sloppy joe filling simmer for the full 20 minutes so it thickens before going into the casserole.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Season the tater tots lightly. The sloppy joe filling already carries plenty of flavor.
• Bake the casserole uncovered so the tater tots become golden and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No. Place the tater tots on the casserole directly from the freezer. They will cook and become crispy in the oven.

Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Assemble the casserole with the cheese and frozen tater tots shortly before baking for the best texture.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain most of the grease from the browned beef and allow the sloppy joe mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes before assembling the casserole.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 3 to 4 days. Reheat uncovered in the oven or air fryer to help the tater tots become crispy again.

Shop the Flavor

Shop All In One Seasoning Shop Original BBQ Sauce Shop Blazing Star BBQ on Amazon

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