One-pan sloppy joe tater tot casserole baked in a white enamel skillet with golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese.

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole (One-Pan Family Favorite)

Byhomestylepick.com

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Introduction

This One-Pan Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole takes everything you love about classic sloppy joes and turns it into the ultimate family-style comfort bake — rich, saucy ground beef simmered in tangy-sweet sloppy joe sauce, topped with golden tater tots and melted cheddar. The best part? It all starts in one skillet on the stovetop, then finishes in the oven until bubbly and crisp. Easy cleanup, hearty flavor, and guaranteed smiles at the table.This sloppy joe tater tot casserole recipe is one of the easiest one-pan beef dinners you can make.

Why This One-Pan Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole Works

This hybrid skillet–to–oven method delivers the best texture and flavor balance. The beef cooks directly in the skillet with onions, ketchup, and brown sugar, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize. Once topped with tater tots and cheddar, baking it just 15–20 minutes transforms it into a golden, bubbling, one-pan masterpiece. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and convenience.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 (16 oz) package frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
  3. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Spread beef mixture evenly in skillet. Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over top.
  7. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 15–20 minutes, until tots are golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Variations

  • Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.
  • Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.
  • Try pepper jack cheese for a little heat.

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Don’t skip simmering the sauce — it gives the beef that rich, thick Sloppy Joe flavor.
  • Bake uncovered so the tater tots crisp properly.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet for easiest one-pan cleanup.

Equipment Needed

  • Oven-safe skillet (cast iron or enamel)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Oven mitts

Serving Ideas

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. It’s also great for casual gatherings — easy to portion and reheat.

Spoon lifting cheesy sloppy joe tater tot casserole with melted cheddar stretching from a white enamel pan.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warm and crispy again. For softer texture, microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.

If you love this recipe, try my One-Pan Cheeseburger Macaroni (Creamy Skillet Dinner) — another easy comfort meal from the beef collection.
You might also enjoy my Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy for a classic chicken comfort dinner.

This sloppy joe tater tot casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. The combination of saucy beef, crispy tots, and melted cheese makes it feel indulgent yet incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect one-pan dinner for busy weeknights, game nights, or potlucks when you want something both hearty and crowd-pleasing.

For safe ground-beef cooking temperature guidelines, visit USDA Food Safety.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze this?
Yes. Assemble and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F until hot (add 10 extra minutes).

Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely — turkey works perfectly with the same sauce.

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