1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees, spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2.In a large nonstick pan, spray the pan with cooking spray and add ground meat. Add onion and pepper if using. Cook until meat is completely cooked. Drain off any excess drippings.
3.Pour in Sloppy Joe sauce and mix to combine well.
4.Spread out meat sauce in casserole dish. Sprinkle on cheddar cheese.
5.Layer the tots over the entire top. Put unused tots back in freezer.
6.Bake for about 25 minutes. You will see the tots brown and may be bubbling a little. Take out of oven and let sit on cooling rack for just 5 minutes. Then, serve up and enjoy!