Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet – Ultimate Comfort Food

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a skillet layered with crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese. Ground beef and onion are simmered with tomato sauce, ketchup, and a blend of tangy, smoky seasonings for a rich sloppy joe base. Crispy tater tots are arranged on top, sprinkled with cheddar, and briefly broiled until golden and bubbling. Perfect for weeknights and a guaranteed family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food with a fun potato twist
• Quick prep – ready in about 30–40 minutes
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• One-pan dinner with minimal cleanup

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for flavor and balance)
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (extra sharp recommended)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Required Tools

• Oven-safe skillet
• Oven
• Mixing spoon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Tater Tots

1. Bake frozen tater tots according to package directions until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown Beef and Onion

1. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and chopped onion; cook 6–8 minutes, breaking up beef, until browned and onions are soft.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spices

1. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build Sloppy Joe Sauce

1. Mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Simmer 5 minutes over medium-low heat until thickened and flavors melded.

Step 5: Top and Broil

1. Arrange crispy tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture, pressing lightly into the sauce.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the tots.
3. Broil 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Tricks

• Simmer sauce before adding tots for maximum flavor absorption.
• Arrange tots close together to prevent soggy spots.
• Use extra sharp cheddar for bold, melty pockets of flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in a covered dish. Reheat at 350°F until hot.
• For crispier tots, broil briefly before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground beef → turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Cheddar → Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend
• Add chipotle powder or use pepper jack for a spicy kick

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted green beans
• Serve as party snacks cut into small squares with toothpicks

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 520 kcal
• Protein: 26 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g