This dish is a real crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. I remember the first time I whipped it up—I was looking for something quick yet comforting to serve my family, and oh my goodness, the response was phenomenal! It’s like serving a hug on a plate, and what’s even better, the ingredients are as simple as it gets.
Utilizing humble ingredients such as ground beef, canned beans, and sweet barbecue sauce, this casserole has a wonderful balance of savory and slightly tangy flavors. The topping of crispy tater tots and melted cheddar adds just the right amount of crunch and creaminess, making each bite super satisfying.
If you’re like me, always on the hunt for meals that don’t skimp on flavor and are easy to pull together on a busy weeknight, this one will definitely become a staple. Plus, the extra perk? It feeds a good-sized crowd—perfect for when the whole family gets together or when you need some tasty leftovers for the next day.
So, go ahead, give it a try! Share a touch of that cozy family magic with your household tonight, just like I do with mine.
How to Make BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce
- 1 can (16 oz) original baked beans (do not drain)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt until it’s completely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the sloppy joe sauce, baked beans, corn, barbecue sauce, mustard, and spices to the skillet. Stir everything together well and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the tater tots arranged in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots, and bake again briefly until the cheese is melted.
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
Cooking Tips
If you’re looking to add a smoky depth to the casserole, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular chili powder. For a spicier kick, toss in some cayenne pepper. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before spreading the meat mixture in the baking dish.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a crisp, cold glass of lemonade. You can also serve it with cornbread, which complements the tangy and rich barbecue flavors perfectly. For a spicy twist, add jalapeño slices on top of the melted cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a plant-based ground or omit it altogether, adding extra beans for protein instead.
Seasonal Variations
Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini in the summer or replace the corn with peas during the fall and winter months. This flexibility allows you to enjoy this casserole year-round with fresh produce.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy and gluten. For those with lactose intolerance, use a dairy-free cheese option. If gluten is a concern, ensure the sloppy joe sauce and barbecue sauce are gluten-free.
FAQ
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it the next day. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten this dish up, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Opt for low-sodium versions of the sloppy joe sauce and baked beans to reduce salt intake, and use reduced-fat cheese.
How should I reheat the casserole?
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until it is heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a microwave, but the oven will help maintain the tater tots’ crispiness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with extra beans or a plant-based ground beef alternative, adjust the seasonings, and enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal that’s equally delicious.
Why won’t my cheese stay melted?
If your cheese isn’t staying melted or is hardening too quickly, try adding the cheese at the very end and allowing the residual heat of the dish to maintain its gooey texture. Covering lightly with foil can also help.
What’s the best way to freeze leftovers?
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Bbq Beef Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 can sloppy joe sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can original baked beans (16 oz, do not drain)
- 1 can corn (15 oz, drained)
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the salt, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, baked beans, corn, barbecue sauce, mustard, and spices. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, then layer the frozen tater tots over the cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until melted.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions if desired.
