Mediterranean Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
This dish takes the classic American sloppy joe casserole and gives it a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Richly seasoned ground beef simmered with aromatics and a sweet-savory sauce is topped with golden, crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Bonus: it all bakes in one dish, so cleanup is minimal.
Time: 15 minutes prep + 35 minutes bake = 50 minutes total
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce (or 1 can, 8 oz)
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/2 cup corn or other veggies (optional)
For the Topping:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a mix)
1 package frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
1 tsp dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook beef mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
Drain excess fat.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add corn if using.
Assemble casserole:
Spread beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese over the beef.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake:
Place in oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crispy.
Finish:
Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Serve hot with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
Protein Options:
Swap ground beef with ground lamb or turkey for a lighter or more Mediterranean flavor.
For a vegetarian version, use lentils or crumbled chickpeas in place of beef.
Mediterranean Twist on Sauce:
Add a pinch of cumin, oregano, or smoked paprika to give the sauce more depth.
Use sun-dried tomato paste instead of (or with) ketchup for a richer Mediterranean taste.
Cheese Alternatives:
Try feta or a mozzarella–parmesan mix instead of cheddar. Feta adds a tangy Mediterranean edge.
For extra creaminess, stir a little cream cheese into the beef mixture before baking.
Veggie Boost:
Add chopped zucchini, eggplant, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the beef mix for a heartier, veggie-forward dish.
Frozen peas or carrots can be stirred in for added color and nutrition.
Topping Upgrades:
Use seasoned potato wedges or even cauliflower tots for a twist.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan over the tots for a crunchier topping.
Make Ahead & Storage:
Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Leftovers keep well for 3–4 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven to keep the tater tots crispy.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a fresh Mediterranean side salad (cucumber, tomato, olives, feta, lemon dressing).
A side of tzatziki or yogurt dip works surprisingly well with the rich casserole.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble the beef mixture with cheese and tater tots, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving. Add 5–10 minutes extra baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Q: How do I make this casserole healthier?
A: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduce the cheese by half, and swap standard tater tots for cauliflower tots or sweet potato tots. You can also add more vegetables into the beef mixture.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze it unbaked (assemble and cover tightly) or freeze leftovers. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 50–55 minutes, or reheat leftovers until hot throughout.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, feta, or a mix of parmesan and provolone gives a nice Mediterranean touch.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled chickpeas and adjust seasonings. It will still be hearty and flavorful.
Nutrition Breakdown
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 21g
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: ~780mg
(Values will vary depending on cheese, sauce, and tater tots used.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food with a flavorful twist. It brings together the sweet-savory sloppy joe filling, golden crispy tots, and cheesy topping for a dish that’s both hearty and family-friendly. With easy swaps like feta cheese, fresh herbs, or added vegetables, you can customize it to fit your taste or make it a bit lighter. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy dinners, this casserole delivers familiar comfort with a Mediterranean flair.