Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

There is nothing quite like the golden crunch of tater tots paired with the sweet and savory flavors of sloppy joe beef all brought together in a bubbling skillet with plenty of cheddar cheese This dinner is pure comfort food magic and always a hit at my table especially when everyone is craving something fun and totally satisfying

The first time I made this my kids could not stop talking about it and now it is our go to when we want a cozy weeknight dinner that feels like a treat

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings rich savory flavor and classic sloppy joe taste Choose eighty percent lean for a great balance
• Frozen tater tots: bake up crispy on top and soak up the juices beneath Go for the extra crispy variety if your store carries it
• Shredded cheddar cheese: gives you that irresistible melt I love using sharp cheddar for bold flavor
• Chopped onion: adds sweetness and depth Look for firm yellow onions for best results
• Olive oil: helps brown the beef and onions and gives a hint of richness Use a good quality olive oil for best results
• Tomato sauce: creates a savory saucy base Use plain unsalted sauce and add your own seasonings
• Ketchup: adds classic sloppy joe sweetness and tang Try to use a ketchup with real sugar if you can
• BBQ sauce: brings smoky richness Use your family’s favorite style
• Mustard: offers a zippy sharpness Go for classic yellow mustard for brightness
• Worcestershire sauce: deepens the umami factor A splash or two goes a long way so taste as you add
• Minced garlic: pumps up the flavor Fresh garlic is always worth it if you have it
• Salt and black pepper: round out the seasoning Start with a little and adjust to taste
• Onion powder: reinforces the savory onion profile Use a fresh jar for the boldest taste
• Paprika: enhances color and adds a gentle warmth Spanish smoked paprika is amazing here if you have it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tater Tots:

Bake your tater tots according to the package instructions until they are extra crispy This is essential so they hold up their crunch after topping the skillet

Brown the Beef and Onion:

Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat Add ground beef and chopped onion Cook for about eight minutes breaking the meat apart and letting the onion soften and turn golden This mixture is the flavor foundation so take your time

Sauté the Garlic and Spices:

Add minced garlic paprika onion powder salt and pepper Stir and cook for one minute so the garlic gets fragrant and the spices bloom in the oil

Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

Pour in tomato sauce ketchup BBQ sauce mustard and Worcestershire Stir well so everything comes together Let the mixture simmer over medium low for five minutes Allowing it to bubble and thicken ensures the flavors develop

Top and Broil:

Arrange the crispy tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture Gently press them just barely into the sauce Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tots Place the skillet under the broiler for one to two minutes just until the cheese is melted and bubbling Keep a close eye so the cheese does not burn

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I always use extra sharp cheddar for the topping because it melts into little pockets of flavor and reminds me of the cheese pull moments from family meals as a kid My kids love being in charge of arranging the tater tots in neat rows and that turns dinner into a fun activity

Storage Tips

Leftovers last for up to three days covered in the refrigerator To reheat place a scoop in a small oven safe dish and rewarm at three hundred fifty degrees until thoroughly hot For crispier tots pop under the broiler for a minute before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works just as well as beef for a lighter taste You can swap out cheddar with Monterey Jack or use a mix for a creamier melt If you like a kick of heat try stirring in a little chipotle powder or using pepper jack cheese on top

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Serving Suggestions

This skillet dish is filling all on its own but I love to pair it with a big crunchy salad or roasted green beans It also makes a fun party snack when cut into small squares and served with toothpicks

History of Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food said to have originated in the nineteen thirties This dish captures all the nostalgia but with an added potato twist making it a modern family favorite that feels both new and familiar

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the beef filling more flavorful?

Enhance the depth of flavor with additional Worcestershire sauce, extra garlic, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative and works well with these seasonings while maintaining a hearty texture.

→ What cheese can I use besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend also melt nicely and add different flavor profiles to your skillet.

→ How do I keep tater tots crispy?

Pre-bake tater tots until golden before adding to the skillet, and avoid covering the dish during broiling.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble the beef base ahead, refrigerate, then bake and top with freshly baked tots and cheese before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Fresh green salads, steamed vegetables, or pickled onions add a crisp contrast to this hearty skillet meal.