Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

 Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet 

A hearty family-friendly dinner that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with the crispy crunch of tater tots and melted cheese.

This skillet meal is comforting, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and frozen tater tots, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar + mozzarella mix)
• 1 (32 oz / 900g) bag frozen tater tots

• Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef

• Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (6–8 minutes).
• Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Vegetables

• Stir in diced onion and red bell pepper.
• Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

• Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
• Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until thickened.

4. Add Cheese

• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese into the beef mixture.
• Stir until melted and creamy.

5. Top with Tater Tots

• Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

6. Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve

• Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions before serving.

• Tips for the Best Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet:

1. Use cast-iron – It keeps everything hot and bakes evenly.
2. Switch up the protein – Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well.
3. Extra flavor boost – Add a dash of hot sauce, chili powder, or red pepper flakes.
4. Healthier option – Use baked tater tots instead of fried ones.
5. Make it ahead – Prepare the beef mixture, refrigerate, then add tots and bake before serving.

6. Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a fresh garden salad for balance.
• Serve with garlic bread or cornbread on the side.
• For kids, add extra melted cheese or drizzle ranch dressing on top.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture up to 2 days in advance. When ready to eat, top with tater tots and cheese, then bake.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Assemble the skillet without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake from frozen for about 50–55 minutes.

Can I make it without cheese?

Yes, but the cheese adds a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use vegan shredded cheese.

What’s the best side dish?

Fresh salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables complement this hearty dish perfectly. 

Final Thoughts

The Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—savory, cheesy, and satisfyingly crunchy. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and easy to customize. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a cozy, filling meal.