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BBQ Beef Crispy Tots

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Cooked this BBQ beef dish for a block party, and not a single bite was left! The meat simmered in BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with crispy tots. My kids love sprinkling the cheesy topping. Easy to prepare ahead and bake later, it’s become my go-to for busy nights. Shared it with friends down the road, and they couldn’t stop raving about how filling it was. Leftovers? Only if you're lucky!
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Updated on Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:12:46 GMT
A hearty serving of seasoned BBQ beef, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots garnished with green onions. Pin it
A hearty serving of seasoned BBQ beef, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots garnished with green onions. | tasteofmoms.com

Mouthwatering BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Imagine all your comfort food favorites coming together in one incredible dish. This tater tot casserole with its tangy beef mixture underneath crispy potatoes and melted cheese is truly dinnertime perfection. It's amazing how these basic ingredients transform into something that'll make everyone ask for seconds.

What Makes This Dish So Irresistible

The magic of this BBQ beef tater tot casserole happens when everything mingles together. Each bite gives you that smoky sweetness alongside the crunchy potato topping and stretchy cheese. It's super simple to toss together using stuff you've probably got in your kitchen already. Whenever I need to please a hungry crowd, this is my foolproof choice.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Ground beef: The foundation that brings richness to every bite.
  • Baked beans: They add something truly unique.
  • Corn: Gives sweet pops and bright color.
  • Sloppy joe sauce: Creates that wonderful sweet-tangy base.
  • Yellow mustard: A small amount lifts all the flavors.
  • BBQ sauce: Adds that gorgeous smoky element.
  • Spices: My custom mix that ties everything together.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Never skimp on the cheesy goodness.
  • Frozen tater tots: They turn amazingly golden and crunchy.

Cooking Instructions

Time To Serve
Give it a moment to set before digging in.
Bake To Perfection
Cook until bubbling then sprinkle on more cheese.
Layer It Up
Pour in meat mix add cheese then arrange tots on top.
Build The Base
Stir in your sauces and let everything come together.
Cook Your Beef
Get it nicely browned then pour off the extra grease.
Get Started
Turn on your oven and grab your baking dish.

Customize Your Creation

Feeling adventurous? Toss in some green chilies or swap for pepper jack cheese for a kick. Ground turkey works great for a lighter meal. You can even try different BBQ sauce brands or bean varieties to tweak the flavor balance exactly how you like it.

Leftovers That Taste Great

This casserole will keep in your fridge for up to four days without losing its charm. When you warm it up, just put a damp paper towel over the top so it doesn't dry out.

A casserole dish filled with a meat and corn mixture topped with golden tater tots and sprinkled with green onions. Pin it
A casserole dish filled with a meat and corn mixture topped with golden tater tots and sprinkled with green onions. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why let the tots sit out before baking?

Thawed tots bake up crispier and cook more evenly.

→ Can I pick a sweeter BBQ sauce?

Stick to regular—it balances better with the beans.

→ Why simmer the beef filling first?

Simmering helps thicken everything and locks in the flavor.

→ Is it okay to prep this earlier?

Yes! Just wait to add the tots and cheese till it’s time to bake.

→ Do I really need cheese in two layers?

The middle melts inside, while the top gets that golden finish everyone loves.

BBQ Beef Crispy Tots

Savory ground beef and beans in a smoky BBQ sauce, topped with golden, crunchy tater tots and gooey melted cheese.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
02 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots.
03 1 teaspoon yellow mustard.
04 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.
05 1 pound lean ground beef.
06 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
07 1 can (16 oz) original baked beans.
08 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce.
09 1/3 cup BBQ sauce.
10 1/2 teaspoon herbal seasoning cumin.
11 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
12 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained.
13 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 02

Cook beef with a sprinkle of salt, then drain off the grease.

Step 03

Mix in beans, sauces, corn, and dried spices.

Step 04

Stir occasionally as it cooks for about 10 minutes until thicker.

Step 05

Evenly spread the mix into a large 9x13 pan.

Step 06

Sprinkle on 1 cup of grated cheese.

Step 07

Place frozen tots neatly on top of the layer.

Step 08

Put in the oven to bake for 30-35 minutes.

Step 09

Toss the rest of the cheese over the tots.

Step 10

Bake 3-5 more minutes so the cheese melts perfectly.

Notes

  1. Let tater tots sit out to warm up a little before baking.
  2. Pick a standard BBQ sauce, not one with added sweetness.
  3. You can cook the meat mixture and save it ahead.
  4. Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before digging in.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 dish for baking.
  • A big frying pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 28 g