If you love Sloppy Joes and crispy tater tots, get ready for your new favorite recipe! These Sloppy Joe Tot Cups are the perfect mix of comfort food and fun party bites. Imagine crispy, golden tater tots forming little cups, filled with saucy, meaty Sloppy Joe goodness, and topped with melty cheese—irresistible, right?
They’re great for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even a fun appetizer for gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Tot Cups
Crispy & Saucy: The crunchy tater tot base holds the juicy Sloppy Joe filling perfectly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s dinner, a party, or a potluck, these bite-sized cups are always a hit.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort make this a go-to recipe.
Kid-Friendly: Kids (and adults!) love these fun, hand-held bites.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, onions, or a drizzle of ranch for extra flavor.
Ingredients in Sloppy Joe Tot Cups
This recipe keeps it simple but delivers big flavor!
Tater Tots: The crispy, golden base that holds everything together.
Ground Beef: The hearty and flavorful star of the filling.
Onion: Adds depth and a little sweetness to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Garlic: A must-have for extra savory goodness.
Sloppy Joe Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought for that classic tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Cheese: Melts beautifully on top—cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend works great!
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s put these delicious bites together step by step:
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to [temperature] and lightly grease a muffin tin.
Bake the Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in the muffin cups and bake for about [time] until crispy.
Form the Cups: Use a spoon or the back of a measuring cup to press the baked tots into cup shapes.
Cook the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
Assemble the Cups: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture into the tot cups, then sprinkle cheese on top.
Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Tot Cups
These little bites are delicious on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas:
- With a Dipping Sauce: Try ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo.
- Topped with Extras: Add diced pickles, crispy bacon, or jalapeños.
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Paired with a Side Salad: Balance out the richness with a fresh, crisp salad.
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before baking.
Use Different Meats: Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter option.
Extra Crispy Tots: Bake the tots a little longer before pressing them into cups for an even crispier base.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to [time]. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tater tots?
A1: Yes! Just bake them first before pressing them into cups.
Q2: What cheese works best for this recipe?
A2: Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little spice.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Prepare the filling and tots separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
Q4: Can I freeze these?
A4: Yes, freeze them after baking. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Warm them in the oven at [temperature] for [time] or in the air fryer for extra crispiness.
Q6: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A6: Absolutely! Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Q7: What can I use instead of Sloppy Joe sauce?
A7: Try a mix of ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a little brown sugar.
Q8: Can I add veggies to the filling?
A8: Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even shredded carrots would be great.
Q9: How can I make them spicy?
A9: Add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the filling.
Q10: Are these gluten-free?
A10: They can be! Just check that your Sloppy Joe sauce and tater tots are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Sloppy Joe Tot Cups are the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, saucy, cheesy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making them for a fun family dinner or serving them up at a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Print
Sloppy Joe Tot Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Cups are a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic! Crispy tater tots create the perfect crust, filled with savory, tangy Sloppy Joe meat and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Great for game day, parties, or family-friendly dinners, these easy-to-make snacks will be gone in no time!
Ingredients
- 48 frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Tater Tot Cups:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray.
- Place 2 frozen tater tots in each muffin cup. Bake for 15 minutes.
Make the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
Assemble & Bake:
- Remove the parbaked tater tots from the oven. Using a tart tamper or spoon, press them down into cup shapes.
- Fill each tater tot cup with sloppy Joe mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling a day ahead and store in the fridge for easy assembly.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg