Juicy ground beef simmered in a tangy Sloppy Joe sauce, topped with melty Colby Jack cheese and a crispy golden tater tot crust. This one-pan casserole is weeknight comfort food at its best — easy, hearty, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz (225g) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow)
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 30 oz (850g) frozen tater tots or Crispy Crowns
- Dried parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Base
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onion (about 8 minutes).
- Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce.
- Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Add Cheese
- Turn off heat and sprinkle Colby Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Step 4: Top & Bake
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, until tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with dried parsley and serve hot.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Meat Alternative: Ground turkey or plant-based ground works too.
- Crispiest Tots: Bake directly from frozen — don’t thaw first.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn into the beef mixture.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy. Microwave works in a pinch.
