Sloppy Joe Potato Tot Casserole

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F with a rack in the middle. While it heats, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic and grate the cheese.

2. 2

   Heat a 30 cm/12-inch oven-safe skillet, at least 3 litres in capacity, over medium-high hob heat for 1 minute. Add the beef and onion and cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces, until the onion softens and the beef reaches 71°C/160°F. Carefully spoon off any pooled excess fat.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder and paprika for 30 seconds. Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce and dried parsley. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until thick but still saucy.

4. 4

   Remove the skillet from the hob and spread the filling evenly. Scatter over all the cheese, then arrange the frozen potato tots in one snug layer without stacking; do not thaw them.

5. 5

   Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the tots are crisp and golden and the filling reaches 74°C/165°F in the centre. Use oven gloves when handling the skillet, including its hot handle.

6. 6

   Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes, then divide into four portions and serve.