Here’s a delicious, practical guide to making a Sloppy Joe Casserole — the comfort-food twist on the classic sandwich, baked into a hearty dish. I’ll include a step-by-step recipe and tips for variations.
🥘 Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
For the meat mixture:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey for lighter version)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
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3 tbsp ketchup
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp chili powder (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the topping:
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
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2–3 cups frozen tater tots (or cubed potatoes for a homemade version)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the filling
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened (~5 minutes).
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Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3️⃣ Assemble the casserole
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Spread the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish.
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Arrange tater tots over the top in a single layer.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
4️⃣ Bake
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until tater tots are golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Serve
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Let cool for 5 minutes, then scoop onto plates. Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or pickles for extra flavor.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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Make it lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
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Add veggies: Carrots, corn, or zucchini mix nicely into the meat filling.
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Spice it up: Add ½ tsp cayenne or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
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Crunchy topping: Swap tater tots for crushed potato chips or French-fried onions for texture.
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Meal prep: Assemble ahead of time (without baking), cover, refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.