Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole (Printer-Friendly Version)

Tangy beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots come together for a satisfying, family-friendly one-pan meal.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Main Components

01 - 1.5 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 0.75 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 0.5 teaspoon sweet paprika
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, no added sugar
10 - 0.25 cup ketchup
11 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
12 - 0.25 cup barbecue sauce
13 - 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
14 - 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots or crispy crowns
15 - 1 tablespoon dried parsley

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking beef into crumbles as you cook. Sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until meat is deeply browned and onions are softened.
02 - Sprinkle in salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to coat beef evenly with seasonings. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
03 - Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce to the pan. Mix well to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water as needed.
04 - Remove skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the entire beef mixture to create a full, melty layer.
05 - Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Carefully arrange frozen tater tots or crispy crowns in a single layer over the cheese, with slight overlap. Bake on the center rack for 25 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crisp, and sauce is bubbling around the edges.
06 - Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with dried parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, ensuring each portion includes all layers.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For best results, do not thaw tater tots before baking to ensure maximum crispiness.
02 - Freshly shredding your cheese provides superior melt and texture in the finished dish.
03 - Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain the crispness of the tater tots.

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