 Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet – Saucy, Cheesy, and Stick-to-Your-Ribs Comfort Food!
Looking for a quick, one-pan dinner that brings all the cozy flavors of a Sloppy Joe with a twist? This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is the ultimate mashup of comfort food classics: seasoned ground beef, crispy tender potatoes, tangy Sloppy Joe sauce, and melted cheddar cheese—all cooked in one skillet. It’s hearty, saucy, cheesy, and made to satisfy.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something satisfying after a long day, this dish delivers bold flavor, minimal cleanup, and maximum comfort in just about 30 minutes!
 Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 to 4 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference)
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water (for thinning the sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil of choice
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
 Cooking Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~480 per serving (varies depending on cheese and sauce used)
 Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fork-tender—about 10–12 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and chopped onion.
- Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef as it browns. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft—about 6–7 minutes.
- Drain excess grease to prevent the dish from being greasy.
3. Make It Sloppy
- Stir in 1 cup of sloppy joe sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth (or water), and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine and Melt the Cheese
- Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together until the potatoes are well coated in the saucy beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover the skillet, and cook on low until the cheese is fully melted and gooey—about 2–3 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Top with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.
- Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, saucy skillet meal!
 Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet with:
- A crisp green salad
- Buttered corn or steamed green beans
- Toasted buns or garlic bread for scooping
It also makes a great dish for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or even game day eats!
 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts until hot.
- To Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
 Recipe Variations
- Add veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a nutrient boost.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use tater tots: Swap fresh potatoes for frozen tater tots and bake everything in a casserole-style dish.
 Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is a fast, filling, and delicious dinner idea that’s a hit with kids and adults alike. With its savory beef, rich tomato sauce, crispy potatoes, and melty cheese, it’s everything you love about classic comfort food—all in one skillet.
It’s the kind of recipe that turns basic pantry staples into something irresistible, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.