Looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing dinner idea? These Sloppy Joe Tater Tots are just that. Crispy tater tots topped with saucy ground beef and melted cheese — this is one of those meals everyone is excited to dig into. Bonus points- can be made in the Air Fryer or in the oven!
This fun twist on sloppy joes is a great way to use up leftovers or make fresh when you need an easy weeknight dinner.This is also one of my favorite recipes for leftover sloppy joes when I want to change things up. You can make them in the air fryer or oven, depending on what works best for you.
Why I Love These Sloppy Joe Tater Tots
- Uses simple just FOUR ingredients!
- Great for busy weeknights
- Fun way to serve sloppy joes
- Kid-friendly and family approved
Like this air fryer frozen tater tots recipe? Make sure to check out my Amazing Air Fryer Pizza Tots !
A couple weeks ago we went to an Irish restaurant/bar and they had SLOPPY TOTS on the menu…we were like dang that sounds good….I said okay how about I just make those at home this week instead….so here we are. One of our new favorite easy dinners that everyone in the house will eat.
Ingredients Needed for Sloppy Joe Tater Tots
| 🧀 Ground Beef or Ground Turkey – I usually use ground beef, but turkey works great if you want a healthier option. 🧀Bold Sloppy Joe Sauce – This adds all the classic sloppy joe flavor and keeps things easy. Use your favorite brand or quickly make your own. 🧀 Frozen Tater Tots – These are the base of the dish. Cook them until nice and crispy. 🧀 Shredded Colby or Cheddar Cheese – Sprinkle over the top for that melted, cheesy finish. Add more if you like extra cheese. I like using blocks or cheese because it melts better and doesn’t have any preservatives. Grab a cheese shredder! |
How to Make Sloppy Joe Tater Tots
Step 1: Cook the meat. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink.
Step 2: Cook the tater tots. While the meat is cooking, place the frozen tater tots in your air fryer basket or on a baking sheet if you are using the oven. Air fry at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or bake according to package directions.
Step 3: Add the sauce.Drain any grease from the cooked meat. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Assemble. Once the tater tots are cooked, spread them out and spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the top.
Step 5: Finish with cheese.Sprinkle shredded cheese over everything, then place back into the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until melted.
Step 6: Serve.Remove and serve right away while warm and cheesy. These are best enjoyed fresh.
Additions & Substitutions
- Swap ground turkey for beef if you want a lighter option — it works just as well.
- Stir in diced onions or bell peppers with the meat for extra flavor, color, and nutrients! (can even sneak some shredded carrots in there).
- Use pepper jack cheese if you like a little kick.
- Top with pickles or sliced jalapeños for a fun finishing touch.
Looking for more easy ground beef recipes?Check out my:
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Sloppy Joe Tater Tots (Air Fryer or Oven)
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a skillet.
- While the meat is cooking, preheat the air fryer or oven and cook tater tots according to package instructions. Note: My air fryer was set at 400°F for 12 minutes.
- Drain any grease from the meat and stir in sloppy joe sauce. Simmer a few minutes.
- Spoon the sloppy Joe meat mixture over the cooked tots.
- Sprinkle with cheese and return to the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
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