Sloppy Joe Casserole!

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a baked dish combining ground beef, pork sausage, peppers, onions, and Sloppy Joe sauce. Topped with cheese and tater tots, it’s a tasty and convenient twist on the classic sandwich. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) sloppy joe sauce or 1 large can
• 1 bag (24+ ounces) frozen tater tots
• 1 block of cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and green peppers until they become tender. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor.
3. Add the ground beef and pork sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat into smaller pieces with a spatula. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
4. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, ensuring the meat and vegetables are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, so the flavors meld together.
5. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meat mixture, creating a delicious cheesy layer.
7. Neatly arrange the tater tots in rows on top of the cheese layer. This arrangement will make it easier to serve later.
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
9. After 30 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and add another sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
10. Place the casserole back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
11. Once fully cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
12. Serve the Sloppy Joe Casserole with a side salad or your favorite vegetable for a complete and satisfying meal.