Savory Sloppy Joe Tot Cups Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Twist

Crispy potato tot cups filled with hearty sloppy joe meat create a playful twist on classic comfort food.

Unexpected flavors merge in this crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings excitement to any gathering.

Small bites pack major punch with their irresistible combination of tangy sauce and crunchy potato base.

Kids and adults alike will devour these miniature delights without hesitation.

Minimal kitchen effort yields maximum satisfaction in every single bite.

Bold seasonings and simple ingredients come together to make something truly memorable.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these addictive tot cups.

Sloppy Joe Tot Cups That Are Fun And Filling

• Customize Quick Weeknight Meal: Perfect for busy families wanting a fun twist on classic sloppy joes with minimal prep time and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Super-Easy Cooking Process: Requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward steps, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels from teenagers to adults.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Transforms traditional sloppy joe recipe into cute bite-sized tot cups that children will love, with cheesy topping and crispy potato base that appeals to picky eaters.
• Versatile Party Appetizer: Great for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual entertaining where guests can enjoy handheld, mess-free portions without complicated serving requirements.

Sloppy Joe Tot Cup Mix

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato base for the cups, providing a delicious foundation for the sloppy joe mixture.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich main component of the sloppy joe filling, best when lean for less grease.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides rich, tangy base for the sloppy joe mixture.
• Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Create depth of flavor with tangy and complex notes.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the savory elements.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder: Provide warm, aromatic seasoning to the meat mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Cornstarch, Water: Create a slurry to thicken the sauce and provide a glossy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and a golden finish to the tot cups.

Sloppy Joe Tot Cups Preparation Method

Step 1: Heat and Prep Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Grab a mini muffin pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Tot Bases

Drop two frozen tater tots into each muffin cup.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until they start to crisp up.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat.

Break it up and stir until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain away any excess grease.

Step 4: Build the Saucy Mixture

• Tomato sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil, then lower the heat.

Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces.

Step 6: Create Sauce Thickener

Whisk together cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry.

Stir this into the skillet and cook until the sauce becomes wonderfully thick.

Step 7: Shape Tot Cups

Pull the partially baked tots from the oven.

Use a tart tamper or spoon to press them down, creating cute little cups.

Step 8: Fill and Cheese

Spoon the saucy beef mixture into each tot cup.

Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 9: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven for 5-7 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into gooey, bubbly perfection.

Sloppy Cup Tips For Neat Layers

• Use a tart tamper or the back of a spoon to create deep, uniform cups for maximum filling and crispy edges.
• Thoroughly drain excess grease from ground beef to prevent soggy tot cups and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to thicken sauce without creating lumps, ensuring a smooth, glossy sloppy joe mixture.
• Swap cheddar with pepper jack for extra kick or use a blend of cheeses to enhance flavor complexity.
• Prepare sloppy joe mixture in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing quick assembly and baking when ready to serve.

Sloppy Joe Cups That Stay Messy in the Best Way

• Store leftover Sloppy Joe Tot Cups in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the tot cups to reach room temperature before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation and soggy bottoms.
• Warm refrigerated tot cups in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they're heated thoroughly and cheese becomes melty again.
• For quick reheating, zap individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking to prevent overcooking and maintaining crispy tater tot texture.

Sips And Sides For Sloppy Joe Cups

• Pair with Zesty Sidekicks: Crisp dill pickles cut through the richness of the sloppy joe tot cups, providing a tangy contrast that refreshes the palate.
• Sip Smart Beverage Companion: Ice-cold root beer complements the sweet and savory flavors, creating a nostalgic diner-style dining experience that feels comforting and fun.
• Boost with Fresh Crunch: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty, rich tot cups and add a refreshing vegetable element to the meal.
• Garnish with Cool Touch: Top with a dollop of sour cream or quick pickled red onions to add brightness and a creamy counterpoint to the spicy, robust sloppy joe mixture.

Tot Cup Filling Ideas

• Low-Carb Zucchini Cups: Replace tater tots with thinly sliced zucchini rounds, creating a vegetable-based alternative for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Swap ground beef with seasoned black beans and plant-based protein crumbles for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Cauliflower Cups: Use cauliflower tots or roasted cauliflower florets as a base for those avoiding gluten and seeking a lighter alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, swap Dijon mustard for chipotle sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery version of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• How spicy are these tot cups?

They have a mild, slightly tangy flavor from the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. If you want more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.

• Do I need any special equipment?

A mini muffin pan and a tart tamper (or the back of a spoon) are helpful, but not absolutely essential. You can still create tot cups with basic kitchen tools.

• Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love these bite-sized sloppy Joe tot cups. The crispy tater tot base and cheesy topping make them fun and easy to eat.

Sloppy Joe Tot Cups Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sloppy joe tot cups bring hearty Midwestern comfort to your plate with crispy potato base and savory ground beef. Packed with bold flavors and easy assembly, you’ll love this crowd-pleasing appetizer that satisfies classic comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Main Ingredients for Sauce and Base:

• 48 frozen tater tots
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F and thoroughly coat a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray.
2. Nestle two frozen tater tots into each muffin cavity and bake for 15 minutes until partially crisp.
3. While tots are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high and cook ground beef until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat and incorporate tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spice blend.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors and reducing liquid.
6. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch together, then stir into the meat mixture to thicken the sauce.
7. Remove tots from oven and use a tart tamper or spoon to compress them into cup-like formations.
8. Generously fill each tater tot cup with the sloppy joe mixture and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
9. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden brown.

Notes

• Adjust tot baking time if using fresh instead of frozen tots for optimal crispiness.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free cornstarch and verify sauce ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate celiac dietary needs.
• Create mini tot cups ahead of time and reheat for quick entertaining or meal prep convenience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg