Revive this spicy-sweet comfort food in a new way!
When I was little, my mom made sloppy joe sandwiches from scratch. Our school made some, too, but I didn’t trust them. The meat was suspicious and nowhere near as delicious as what came from my mom’s kitchen. Mama’s sloppy joes were superior in every way—tender, juicy ground beef in a tangy sauce with only a hint of spice. Yet somehow, they were never soggy! To this day, I suspect she did some kind of magic on them.
Since then, the sloppy joe has transformed from a simple sandwich into a family-sized casserole. Topped with crispy Tater Tots and melted cheese, this dish is designed to please a crowd. It goes great with finger foods at a party, or by itself for a casual weekday dinner. And it doesn’t matter if you liked sloppy joe sandwiches or not as a kid—this decadent casserole is also reminiscent of a cheeseburger with its dynamic meat-and-potatoes duo. Savory, sweet, and with a hint of spice, what more could you want? Move over, sandwiches, it’s the sloppy joe casserole’s time to shine!
Where did the sloppy joe come from?
While its exact inventor and origin are disputed among foodies and historians, it’s clear that it originated in either the U.S. or Cuba, becoming popular sometime around the 1930s or 40s. Since the OG sloppy joe was so cheap and easy to make, it became a go-to dish for families across the States who needed a quick and simple meal. Today, the classic sloppy joe sandwich has transformed into numerous yummy variations, such as this one.
How do I store leftovers?
After your sloppy joe casserole has cooled to room temperature, cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Alternatively, if the portion isn’t large, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. You may also freeze the meat sauce in its own container for up to 3 months, thawing it overnight before incorporating it into another casserole. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until completely warm.
Serving suggestions
Although the sloppy joe casserole makes a whole meal on its own, there are plenty of tasty sides to serve with it to get the party started. Try Mac And Cheese Bites, Sweet Potato Wedges, or Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks for some fun finger food options. Otherwise, dish out Macaroni Salad, Apple Coleslaw, or Instant-Pot Baked Beans.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 3/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 1/4 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 32 ounces frozen Tater Tots
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the tomato ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
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Arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer over the meat and cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
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Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the Tater Tots are golden and crispy.
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Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
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