Sloppy Joe Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that combines the bold flavors of Sloppy Joes with the satisfying texture of a casserole. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With a bubbling layer of meat and veggies topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, it promises to be a family favorite!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 42 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is the perfect dish when you’re looking for something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe—savory ground beef, sweet onions, and zesty sauce—with crunchy tater tots and gooey cheese on top. It’s a one-dish meal that appeals to kids and adults alike, and it’s flexible enough to make ahead of time or customize with your favorite ingredients.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) Sloppy Joe sauce
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 2 cups tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Sautéing
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain the excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
Step 3: Mixing
Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and frozen corn into the beef mixture. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Finishing
Transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top the mixture evenly with tater tots and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole
Serve this casserole hot for a comforting meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and tanginess.
How to Store Sloppy Joe Casserole
Leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings until hot. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Be sure to drain the fat from the meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add some garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick!
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a meatless ground product.
Delicious Variations
- Mexican Style: Add some taco seasoning to the meat, and top with diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Italian Twist: Use marinara sauce instead of Sloppy Joe sauce and top with mozzarella cheese and Italian herbs.
- Buffalo Chicken: Replace the beef with shredded cooked chicken, mix in some buffalo sauce, and use blue cheese instead of cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and assemble it the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate, then bake it when ready. - Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen corn?
Absolutely! Fresh bell peppers or even chopped mushrooms can be great additions. Just sauté them in with the meat. - Is this casserole spicy?
It’s not inherently spicy, but you can add hot sauce to the meat mixture if you enjoy some heat. - Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use BBQ sauce or any other sauce you prefer; just adjust seasonings to complement the flavors. - What can I serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole?
It goes well with a side of coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or simply on its own.
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comforting flavors and textures wrapped up in one dish. It’s quick to make, easy to adapt, and sure to please everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful casserole recipe. We promise you won’t regret it!
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Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful twist on classic Sloppy Joes, this casserole combines bold flavors with satisfying textures, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) Sloppy Joe sauce
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 2 cups tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and frozen corn into the beef mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top it evenly with tater tots and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to oven for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Notes
Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Can be made ahead of time and baked when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
