Get ready to fall in love with this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich! This dish combines all the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors you adore in a classic Sloppy Joe and takes it to a whole new level of comfort. Imagine saucy ground beef, golden and crunchy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese all in one irresistible bake. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone around your table asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich has a reason for being here, and together they create that magical, hearty bite. From the satisfying crunch of tater tots to the robust flavor of Manwich sauce, nothing is unnecessary, and each plays a starring role.

Ground beef (1 pound): The classic base for Sloppy Joe flavor, providing heartiness and savory depth.
Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce (1 can, 15 oz): This is the secret to that sweet and tangy taste that makes this casserole so crave-worthy.
Frozen tater tots (2 cups): They bake up perfectly crispy and make every forkful fun.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully on top, bringing gooey richness in every bite.
Chopped onion (½ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture to the beef mixture.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the onions and adds a little extra flavor.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the savory notes and boosts the aroma.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of gentle heat.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Sour cream (½ cup, optional): Adds a cool, creamy tang if you want to make your casserole extra luscious.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it plenty of time to reach the right temperature for perfectly crispy tater tots on top of your Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich. While the oven warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so cleanup will be a breeze later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and begins to turn golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. This early step sets the stage for every bite to be layered with mellow, sweet undertones.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown fully—this not only deepens the flavor but also ensures the casserole isn’t greasy. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat before moving on.

Step 4: Make it Saucy

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, then stir in the entire can of Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s perfectly cohesive and every morsel is coated with that iconic Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon the beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. If you’re using sour cream, drop little spoonfuls all over the top. This adds a touch of tang and creaminess, totally optional but highly recommended!

Step 6: Top with Tater Tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, snug layer over the beef and sour cream. Press them gently to ensure they touch the surface, which helps them bake up even crispier and keeps them from sinking into the sauce.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish, uncovered, into the hot oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and deliciously crispy. The casserole will be bubbling underneath and smelling amazing by this point.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot tater tots. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese has melted into that irresistible, gooey topping. Let your Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few sliced jalapeños can be great for those who love heat—plus they look gorgeous against the golden, cheesy top of your Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole begs for simple sides to round out the meal. A crisp garden salad or steamed green beans add a welcome freshness. If you want to go all-in on comfort, a slice of garlic bread or buttery corn on the cob never goes amiss.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into wide bowls for serious cozy vibes. Or, try cutting the casserole into neat squares for a potluck or buffet-style gathering. For fun, you could even serve it in individual ramekins—perfect for dinner parties where you want to wow guests with personalized servings of Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if!), simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making lunch or a second dinner a total treat.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? This casserole freezes really well. Let the Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To recapture all that satisfying texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 20 minutes. To crisp the tater tots back up, uncover for the last 5 minutes. The microwave works too—just keep in mind the tots will be softer if microwaved.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles both work beautifully. They absorb that delicious Manwich sauce and make the dish a little lighter, but just as satisfying.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The familiar flavors and tater tots make it a guaranteed hit with kids—and picky eaters in general. You can always adjust the seasoning if your crew prefers milder dishes.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Feel free to stir in frozen corn, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach before baking. This is your canvas—Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is very forgiving and flexible.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Just check your tater tots and Manwich sauce labels to ensure they’re gluten-free. Many popular brands are nowadays, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally friendly for gluten-free eaters.

What’s the best way to reheat individual portions?

The oven is best for reviving crispy tater tots, but for speed, an individual serving warms up quickly in the microwave. Try a quick zap at 50 percent power to start, then finish with a short burst at full power so it’s hot but not overcooked.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts nostalgic, delicious, and unbelievably easy, give this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich a try. It’s comfort food magic, ready to delight even the toughest critics at your table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant family favorite!

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich recipe is a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, transformed into a hearty and comforting casserole dish. With layers of savory ground beef in tangy sauce, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté Onion: In a skillet, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until soft.
Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add Sauce: Stir in Manwich sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
Layer in Dish: Spread beef mixture in a greased baking dish. Add sour cream dollops if desired.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange tater tots over beef. Bake until golden.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over casserole. Bake until melted.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.