Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

I know my husband like the back of my hand, and that includes knowing what his favorite comfort foods are. Since his busy season at work is underway, I like to surprise him once in a while with his favorite indulgences. And if that includes taking my own spin on it, then so be it.

Sloppy Joes (the store-bought, canned kind) are one of his favorite things. Tater tots are also high up on his list, so when I saw a casserole that included both items I knew he would love it. Sneaking some vegetables into this casserole doesn't hurt either, and makes it a great option for kids, too. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 1/2 (15.2 oz.) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz.) can Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
• 2 oz. 1/3 less-fat cream cheese
• 8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
• 16 oz. seasoned tater tots
• Scallions, chopped, for sprinkling on top as desired

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the peppers and onions until the meat is cooked through. Drain the fat and return to the heat. Stir in the corn, Manwich, and cream cheese. Cook over low heat until the cream cheese is melted.

Pour the sloppy joe mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Top with half of the grated cheese.

Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top of the cheese. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped chives if desired. Serve immediately.

Source: Adapted from Buns in my Oven