Why have traditional sloppy joes when you can have this easy Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe? It’s not only fun and creative but something the entire family (including the picky kiddos!) will devour.
Made entirely in one casserole dish, you won’t have a bunch of dirty dishes to clean, making it an easy weeknight meal packed with delicious flavor.
This is a family favorite at my house! It’s a nice go-to when you need to make something quick and simple but also hearty and filling. Not to mention, it’s a great way to use up any leftover sloppy joe mix you may have from another meal.
To make this sloppy joe casserole, just cook the ground beef, make the sauce, assemble, and bake! Super easy, right? You’re gonna love it.
What Do I Need to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole?
- 85% ground beef: We like to use lean ground beef to keep this dish on the healthier side, but you can use any type of ground meat you prefer.
- Veggies: Yellow onion and green bell peppers get cooked down with the ground beef mixture and add a nice texture to the casserole.
- Tomato sauce: This makes up the base of the sauce, making it thick and rich. Tomato paste works well, too!
- Yellow mustard: Classic sloppy joe flavor cannot be achieved without adding some mustard to the sauce!
- Brown sugar: A little bit of sweetness to balance out the tanginess from the mustard and tomato sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Another key ingredient for that classic sloppy joe taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This gets sprinkled on top and baked to gooey, melty perfection.
- Tater tots: This is what sets this dish apart from traditional sloppy joes — the crispy, golden tater tots on top!
- Cast iron skillet: We like to use a cast iron skillet since it cooks over the stove and in the oven, making it an all-in-one dish.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re short on time, you can save a step by buying pre-made sloppy joe sauce! You can also swap the ground beef with ground chicken or ground turkey. To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with veggie crumbles or lentils.
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the cheesy casserole or top it with hot sauce before serving. You can also switch up the toppings by using different types of cheese or adding in other veggies like green beans, red bell pepper, corn, or diced tomatoes.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Use a large enough skillet to accommodate all of the ingredients. If you don’t have a big enough skillet, you can transfer everything to a casserole dish before baking.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of cooking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to cut into servings.
How to Store and Freeze
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.
To freeze this sloppy joe casserole, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until warmed through.
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. 85% ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- ½ medium green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 15 oz. canned tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese ~2 cups
- 4 cups tater tots ~15 oz.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until there is just a little bit of pink left. Add the onion and green pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the salt, tomato sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
- Top with cheddar cheese, and then line the tater tots on top so the filling is completely covered. Bake for 25 minutes, uncovered.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Notes
- Buy pre-made sloppy joe sauce to save a step.
