The only tater tots my mom let me eat as a child were on my school lunch tray, and since those were “ewwww”, I grew up hating them. But somehow through the years, they found their way into my cooking, my belly, and my heart.
My favorite way to cook with tater tots is to make “Tater Tot Casserole”, but last week I found an Ore-Ida Sloppy Tots recipe, and it really made a great weeknight meal, so I thought I’d share it with you.
(I added a little BBQ sauce & some crushed red pepper to mine.)
Sloppy Tots
Ingredients
32 ounce Ore-Ida Tater Tots (I like to thaw or partially thaw mine in advance)
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup bbq sauce
3 T brown sugar
1 T worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Arrange Tater Tots in a single layer in a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake for 12 minutes at 425 degrees, if partially thawed. (If they were frozen to start, they’ll need more time to heat through.)
2. Meanwhile, in large skillet, brown beef with onion and garlic; drain. Add remaining ingredients except cheese; mix well.
3. Remove Tater Tots from oven, and pour beef mixture over them.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake another 15 minutes or until mixture is hot and cheese is melted.
Enjoy!
Compensation was provided by Ore-Ida® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Ore-Ida.
Jennifer says
Something to try out for my kiddos!
Jenn Quillen says
I am dying to try this!
dan williams says
twitted this today, 08/10
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
Not my cup of tea, but I’m sure my hubs would love this!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Mmm, that looks very delicious!
My Inner Chick says
—–OMgggggosh,
I’d really like a bite of this right now, Liz.
Mmmmmmm. It looks DeeeeLISH! Xxx
Karen R says
Looks good and sounds easy enough to make. What about mixing the Tater Tots with the hamburger mixture?
Theresa says
Looks yummy! My kids would gobble it right up.
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
Oh man this would make an awesome cheat meal. Oh man, yummy!
Courtney says
OH MY GOSH! this looks delicious!
Becca @ Mama B says
YUMMY!!! I am adding this to my meal plan for next week!!
Kathleen says
Yum! This looks so good. I think I could even turn it into a crockpot freezer meal!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
That looks like something my husband would ADORE.
dan williams says
twitted this today, 07/10
Lolo says
This looks right up my husbands alley. Thanks for sharing!
CiCi says
I will make the Sloppy Tots casserole for my senior friends.
Yolonda@Notorious Spinks Talks says
This looks yummy. I wonder if I can find some organic tator tots so I can make this. Yummy.
Stefanie says
I’m sure my husband would love this…not the kind of thing I usually make.
Alicia K says
looks easy and delicious!
Darlene Ysaguirre says
This Looks Great It Actually Has Me craving tatertots now..my children would go wild for this
dan williams says
twitted this today, 05/10
Leslie G. says
Someone brought me a casserole similar to this when my youngest was born, and my daughter LOVED it. Thanks for the reminder… I’ll have to try this version!
Christine says
I love making casseroles. That looks so yummy.
Thanks for the chance!
dan williams says
twitted this today, 04/10
MiMi says
This sounds so good!! I’m making it tonight. I just got some tater tots just for this. Gonna be a lot better than the regular ‘ol tater tot casserole!
Pamela R says
I’m sure this is a meal my KIDS would love on a night that Daddy’s working–he got this THING about One dish dinners??!!!???!!
Alexis AKA MOM says
Oh cheese come to mama, oh how I have missed you … hehe It looks fab! I will have to make for the boys..
april yedinak says
This looks like great party food. My kids will love it. Thanks for the recipe!
Jillie M says
This looks like a great recipe to add to my collection of easy go-to dinners! Thanks for sharing!!
Brandy says
I so want this …. looks so yummy for my tummy!
Toni says
We love tatertot casserole so will definitely be trying this.
Christy Anderson says
This looks so good! I’ll have to try it out sometime!
Allison Downes says
That looks sooo yummy! I love making casseroles but can never find anything good that isnt too boring or repetitive! This look tasty and filling! Thanks for sharing!
Colleen says
Love tater tots this looks yummy and kid friendly.
Tricia Nightowlmama says
WOw there’s a meal looks like one that will warm the tummy
Carly says
I never thought of cooking tater tots this way.
gem says
YUM – I LOVE baking and eating tater tot casserole – but this recipe sure looks even better =)
maple lane says
This sounds so good. I know we will love it.
Mary Mac says
I am a veggie but could easily be made without the ground beef
Jennifer says
What. If I make this, my husband WILL go bananas, as he is a tater tot fiend.
Dorothy Hubbard says
I am always looking for new ways to use hamburger and this recipe sounds like a good one to try. Thanks
Cheryl Reinhardt says
OMG !!! That looks sooooooooooo good , going to have to try it!!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Sandy says
We make a very similar meal but as we are vegan we use sweet potato tater tots with veggie crumbles and some vegan cheese on top. Does the job for a quick comfort meal and is a healthier meat free meal!
Trish F says
This is sure a kid pleaser. A little too rich for me, but I’m sure the kids will like it. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Billie says
These sound delicious. Even my husband gave a nod of approval. And thanks I always get the canned sloppy joe mix, now I can make it myself.
Marti Parks says
I can’t wait to try this, I love me some tater tots!! 🙂
Luis Sanchez says
I find that it is also good to add some paprika and rosemary on top for an extra taste! But that’s just me!
Sandy V. says
This recipe looks so good, and I am going to try making it myself.
cassandra (rab pom) says
I have to admit I wasnt hungry and now I am that looks absolutely amazing! I need to try it. I love anything with tots though!
Trasina McGahey says
This looks sooo good. I would probably cheat and use canned sauce though lol. I sometimes put Chili and cheese on my tater tots and that’s good too!
Wanda McHenry says
I’m not sure what to think about this recipe. I have to think about it before I try it, I’m not a Tater Tottrer, but husband is.
kathy pease says
This looks really yummy and simple to make..Now thats my kinda recipe 🙂
I will be trying this when I go shopping this week I know my son will go nuts over it 🙂
Nicole says
This looks great, and kid friendly! I will have to try it.
Lucy says
Ah, next time the college kids visit, they will be eating this dish 🙂
LAMusing says
Wondering if the tots get soggy?
Alexandra Clatterbuck says
holy crappola!!! my husband would loooove this!!!
Ashleigh J says
This is a great cheap and heqrty dinner! Im gonna have to make this for my boyfriend one night this week.
Emmy says
Oh that looks good! Not sure if my kids would like it though. I have made a tator tot casserole that uses cream of mushroom soup
Yona says
We love tater tots in our household and we’ve never tried anything with cheese on top. Thanks for sharing.
Margie says
Looks good! I would probably use low fat cheese because I have to limit my fat intake.
Julie Wood says
This recipe looks so delicious! It also looks easy to make! I am going to make this recipe. I like the sauce and the cheese in it! I am going to pin this recipe to Pinterest!
Susi says
That actually sounds delicious on a cold, rainy night. And my kids love tater tots. Bet they would enjoy this! 🙂
Shannon Schuler says
Wow this looks delicious my kids will love this!
Becca says
This looks sinfully delicious. If I had kids I would definitely make this for them!
Maryann says
I think my kids would like this and the prep looks pretty easy
Patricia Booth says
Hope the kids like it.
shaunie wyatt says
I first looked and thougt no but changed my mind when I say the tater tots!! Im going to try to make these
noelle says
the boys will love this…
thanks for sharing 🙂
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
This is flipping genius. Tater tot casserole is one of my childhood favorites and I love the sloppy joe twist!
Jennifer says
I’ve never heard of a dish like this but yum! It sounds so easy and quick to make!
momof12 says
I bet my kids would love that!
Sandy
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
I always have Ore Ida tater tots on hand because the entire family loves them. Now you’ve made a meal that is sure to please even my picky three year old!
Louise says
Stop making me so very very hungry
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Elizabeth, that looks so good!
Nichol says
I still don’t like them:( My kids do though and I”m pretty sure I could eat a huge plate of this!
Betty Manousos says
what a great looking dish!
my mouth’s watering! thanks so much for sharing that wonderful recipe.
i so want to taste your sloppy tots!
xx
Nicole says
LOVE LOVE the name of the recipe! Have to try this and i’m sure the kids would love it.
Tauna says
Ok! I am officially in love.
Never would have thought about that one.
Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy says
yum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(FL) Girl with a New Life says
That one is bound to be yummy. Now I need tater tots.
Bet I could do this with sliced potatoes?
Lisa Brown says
Looks good. I have not had tater tots in ages. Think maybe it’s time to have them.
Robert J Krick says
Lo0oks great, when is dinner?
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
This looks great! I do a tater tot casserole for the boys sometimes, but it’s totally different from this. I bet yours would go over well with them!
Janice K. says
This sounds yummy and convenient. Thank you for sharing, I will have to give it a try!
PinkyPlatz says
I LOVE this recipe. It looks very easy and scrumptious. Thanks for the info!
Shell Fruscione says
That sounds SO good! I only like tater tots if they have something on them so this would be a perfect way for me to enjoy them while making my tot-loving family happy! 🙂
Jenn @ I Am Not Superwoman says
I have a similar recipe I call Southwest Tator Bake, kinda spicy but no meat. Thanks for the new idea. http://iamnotsuper-woman.blogspot.com/2012/07/southwest-tator-bake.html
Heather Hayes Panjon says
I Must Try This Recipe, Looks So Good !:)
JulieK says
Um, hello YUMFEST! That looks great – I am going to make that as soon as I get some tots!!!
anita anderson says
Mmm looks so yummy. I love tater tots but my hubby does not.
Patricia Mohl says
I think I would like to leave a crushed layer on top for crunchiness.
Krystle says
Yum we love tots! Have you tried the mini ones? They get SO Crispy. Thanks for the great way to use them!
Blond Duck says
The perfect kids meal!
Paula Schuck says
Oh my lord! That looks kind of interesting! I never would have thought of it.
Thanks,
Paula
Stefanie says
I’m going to have to try this!
Ttrockwood says
Never thought to use tots in a casserole! They are a rare “treat” for us but this looks like a great quick recipe
Ms. A says
I could totally do this one and someone might actually like it, especially the kids!
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
This looks yummy! I am going to try the recipe in the crock pot, thanks 🙂
MaryD says
Cardiac arrest tots…
Diane Sallans says
I love recipes like this that are easy & different!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
Oh that looks so good! I’m starving right now and would love to make this for dinner tonight!
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
Oh dear lord….That looks AMAZING! I personally love tater tots, but I can’t have them TOO often. It’s a nice treat every now and again though ^.^
I may just have to try this lovely recipe out!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Christina says
Oh, my son would probably LOVE this!!! We had Sloppy Joes (well, the kids – I have had them before) for the first time a few weeks ago and he asks for them weekly! He also loves tater tots.crispy crowns.
Lourie says
I have a tator tot casserole, but this is making me super hungry. It’s pinned. And as soon as it cooler I plan on trying it! Yumm!
Kato says
Yum yum yummy
Amber says
This looks delicious and like something the kids would love to help make!
Eve says
I saw this on youtube about a year ago. the other people added some onions and green pepper in it as well. Just an idea. It does look good
JDaniel4's Mom says
This looks perfect to serve on a rainy day like today.
Star Traci says
What a great idea! I would never have thought of using Tater Tots like that.
🙂
Traci
Rachel says
YUM!! I love this. I do love me some tatertots 🙂
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
This looks awesome!! I’m going to try it!
Cat Davis says
We may just have this for dinner. That sounds good.
Heather says
It’s almost a reverse shepherds pie! Which is what I’m cooking right now… Yum!
Debby Pucci says
It looks delicious and cheesy! I pinned this one today when I was on Pinterest.
marie says
I haven’t had tater tots since grade school, so nostalgic.
LeeAnn says
My goodness that sounds sooo yummy! I might just have to try that sometime soon. My kids would probably even eat it! 🙂
Shar says
That recipe just made me hungry… and now I have to go to the store to buy Tater Tots so I can make this recipe! 🙂
Mally Lynn says
What a great recipe! My family loves tater tots and sloppy joes. Win win!
sheila tf says
I’m sitting here at work-haven’t had lunch yet, and your picture hooked me into reading the recipe. If it wasn’t meatless monday, I would be making this tonight. But tomorrow is Tuesday and I have all the ingredients at home to make this…thanks for sharing!!
Felicia says
I have had a version of this before! Delicious!
Barbara Montag says
A love this recipe – a great new twist on an oldie!
Beeb Ashcroft says
Drooool! I love tater tots. See, if we lived closer by, you could come to my Spider-Man party and bring your casserole! 😉
Naomi says
Umm. I want that NOW. Please?
Marcie W. says
Easy dinner ideas are always more than welcome, especially if they include tots! This one looks delicious.
Erin @ Making Memories says
This looks totally awesome! I make a Tater Tot Casserole too that I adore. But I LOVE tater tots! Deep fry them and then enjoy every bit of tasty potato bite of yum! I’m bookmarking your casserole. Thanks!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
Tater tots, one of my favorite things. Your Sloppy Tots Casserole looks delicious.
Jenn says
We love tots. Thanks for the recipe!
Donna says
I can’t believe I’ve never mad a tater tot casserole before. I’ll definitely be making one soon! This sounds like something my son might like, too! 🙂
Sharon Greenthal (@sharongreenthal) says
My family loves Tater Tots! This looks incredibly yummy – but it would have to be a special treat for my group!
Cinny says
Oh my, that looks sooo yummy! I love those taters!
Ger says
Looks soo good, can’t wait to try it!
Nikki says
I have always loved tater tots!!! I have this casserole I’ve only made once, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and should make it again because it was so good. It’s a cheesy broccoli tater tot casserole. YUM!!
HilLesha says
I bet that is really good, especially with the BBQ sauce – yum, yum, yum!
Patty says
I haven’t had a Tater Tot in YEARS. I remember that they were so yummy
Kim of Mo'Betta says
I would love this! I LOVE tater tots…but NOT ONE of my children will eat them 🙁
Mariah says
So easy to make! Love it! I think my family will definitely approve of me making it!
Holly Thomas says
I make something similar to that, it is real comfort food!!
Jenn @therebelchick says
Two words: MMMMMMM MMMM – that looks so good! I could totally see making that for a quick & easy weeknight meal!
JamericanSpice says
I like this.
I think I’d like to use my own potatoes though.
Worcestershire Sauce is such a gem!
Jeannie says
Sounds yummy! I’ll bet my family would like this! Thanks!!
Mother Mayhem says
MMM… Nom! Nom! Nom!… Sluuurrrppp!
Kristi says
This casserole looks so yummy. I like how you added crushed red pepper…I would too! Thanks for the recipe.
Ally says
I’ve noticed I leave your site hungry quite often. Hmmmm…. 😉
Michele says
I actually use frozen hashbrowns and tots in a lot of recipes, sans the meat of course. Believe it or not, most companies have a recipe section on their website. I use them a lot for inspiration.
Pam says
My kids would love this. Sloppy joes + tator tots. It’ would be like food heaven!
Dawn says
I pinned this! I bet my husband will love this!
Dawn
http://www.cheapisthenewclassy.com
Andrea says
Yum. I like to make a hashbrown casserole with the shredded potatoes. I made one last week and it was SOOO good. Loads of cheese, of course. Yum!
Jackie says
OMG.. this looks freakin’ amazing! Pinning this so I can make it this week!
jayedee says
i LOVE this recipe! my version uses vegetarian crumbles instead of ground beef, but it’s one of the few i can serve my omnivore husband and fool him into thinking i’m giving him meat! lol
sheri grennille says
i am the opposite – we ate them occasionally as a child and now i really don’t care for them. i like potatoes but find tots to be too sweet tasting. Sorry!
Terry says
Sloppy Tots Casserole sounds really good. My Grandson loves them plain, so I bet he would really like them this way
Sky says
I’m going to have to try this one!
Janet W. says
That looks AMAZING! My grandson loves tots and would go crazy for this!
Kecia says
That look so yummy – and what’s even better, it looks VERY easy to make. We love having tater tot casserole here. I am going to have to try your casserole though!
Nikki says
That sounds good! I’d have to switch the beef for ground turkey, but other than that, I’ll have to give this a try some time!
brian miller says
nice…we flip it and put the tots on top of the filling….had it the first time at the hospital when my first son was born and was pleasantly surprised…
Connie Weiss says
Can you believe that one of my kids (who shall remain nameless) HATES tots? It’s crazy!
Robin says
Wowza – look at all that cheesy goodness. My kids would love this!