Change up your dinner game with a hearty sloppy joe casserole featuring crispy tater tots on top. It is pure comfort on a plate.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings (Adjustable): 4
Calories: 261kcal
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Ingredients
8ozlean ground beef
½medium onionchopped
½red bell pepperchopped
¼cuptomato sauce
½tablespoonpacked brown sugar
½tablespoonWorcestershire sauce
½tablespoonDijon mustard
¼teaspoonsalt
8ozTater Tots frozen potatoesor frozen hash browns
1cupCheddar cheeseshredded
⅛cupchopped dill picklesoptional
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 7x5-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the beef over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat and add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an extra two minutes, stirring.
Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and salt. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it comes to a boil.
Spread half of the frozen potatoes in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle ½ cup of the Cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Then layer the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and the potatoes are lightly browned.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped pickles on top for added flavor and freshness.
Serve the casserole while it's still hot.
Notes
Brown the ground beef: Before assembling your casserole, brown the ground beef in a skillet for a few minutes. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to your dish.Enhance the taste profile: Be bold and get creative with seasonings and spices. Mix in your favorite flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes for an extra kick. Experimenting with different combinations can take your sloppy joe casserole to new heights of deliciousness.Cover while baking: To prevent your casserole from drying out in the oven, cover it with foil while baking. This helps retain moisture and ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.