30 minute dinners, Uncategorized

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 3/4 cup diced green bell pepper; 3/4 cup diced yellow onion; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 3 tbsp ketchup; 3 tbsp mustard; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar; 1/2 tsp paprika; 3 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or 6 slices); 4 cups frozen tater tots; Optional toppings: sliced pickles, pickled onions, or chopped parsley

November 12, 2025

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a cozy twist on the classic sandwich—savory, saucy ground beef layered with melted cheddar and topped with golden tater tots. An easy, high-protein family dinner that comes together fast and makes great leftovers for meal prep!

Creator: Leslie Stokes

If you grew up loving classic sloppy joes, this casserole version is going to take you right back — but with way less mess and way more cozy comfort vibes. I took my go-to sloppy joe recipe and turned it into a bubbly, cheesy, tater-topped bake that’s equal parts nostalgic and practical. The flavor is the same saucy, tangy goodness you remember, just baked into an easy family-style dinner that you can scoop right from the dish.

This one came about after I doubled my original sloppy joe mixture for meal prep — but instead of making all sandwiches, I layered it in a casserole dish, added cheese, and topped it with tater tots. It came out so good that my kids immediately asked for it again the next night. It’s everything you love about comfort food but still feels simple and quick enough for a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s easy and family-friendly — no fancy ingredients, just pantry staples.
The sauce is balanced — slightly tangy, a touch sweet, and perfectly savory thanks to the coconut aminos and vinegar.
It’s great for meal prep — reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
You can make it gluten-free with GF tater tots and buns if you want to serve it sandwich-style.
It’s high in protein and surprisingly filling, so it’s a comfort food that fits right into your weeknight rotation.

Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Casserole

Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, or swap for ground turkey if you want to lighten it up even more.
Don’t skip the vinegar — it gives that classic tangy note that keeps the flavor from being too heavy.
Crispy tots = perfect texture. Bake until they’re golden and crunchy; it makes a big difference in the final bite.
If you like extra sauce, add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce before baking.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a quick side of coleslaw (the tangy crunch is perfect with the rich sauce).
Add a drizzle of ranch or spicy ketchup on top for a fun twist.
For a party version, bake in a smaller dish and serve as sloppy joe tot cups with little scoops for appetizers.

It’s one of those dishes that hits all the marks — cozy, kid-approved, and done in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying without having to babysit the stove.

And honestly, if you grew up with sloppy joes, this casserole version will make you feel like a kid again… only this time, you’re the one in charge of dinner — and everyone’s asking for seconds.

Meal Prep & Storage

This casserole holds up great for 3–4 days in the fridge. You can portion it into individual glass containers for easy lunches — it reheats in about 90 seconds in the microwave or 6–8 minutes in the air fryer.

If you want to freeze it, assemble everything except the tater tots (add those fresh before baking) and freeze the base for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight, add tots, and bake as directed.