Name: Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 32 ounces frozen tater tots; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns a classic childhood favorite into a baked one-pan wonder. It’s easy to prep, super satisfying, and the combination of tangy sloppy joe filling with crispy tots and gooey cheddar is just unbeatable. I also like how flexible it is—great for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when I want something warm and filling without a lot of cleanup.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
32 ounces frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

I preheat the oven and bake the tater tots according to the package directions until they’re golden and crispy. While they bake, I get started on the beef mixture.
In a large oven-safe skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. I add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking for about 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
I stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. I let that cook for about 1 minute until everything is fragrant.
I reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. I let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so all the flavors come together.
Once the tater tots are baked, I arrange them evenly over the top of the beef mixture right in the skillet.
I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, then place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes—just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
I let it cool slightly before serving and dive in while it’s still hot and cheesy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 50 minutes from start to finish. That includes baking the tater tots, browning the beef, and finishing it all off under the broiler. It’s just the kind of hearty meal I turn to when I want something that feels homemade and fun.

Variations

I like changing things up with this skillet by swapping the beef for ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles. Sometimes I add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor, or stir in a handful of frozen corn or black beans for a Southwestern twist. If I’m feeling indulgent, I mix some extra cheese into the beef layer before topping it all with the tots.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or I use the microwave for a quicker option. The tater tots lose a little of their crispness, but the flavor is still great. For best texture, I reheat in a skillet or air fryer.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to eat, I just reheat the filling, top with tater tots and cheese, and finish it under the broiler.

What’s the best skillet to use?

I use a large oven-safe skillet, like a cast-iron or stainless-steel pan. Just make sure it can go under the broiler safely.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Absolutely. If I have a go-to sauce recipe, I use it instead of the mix of ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mustard. It’s very adaptable.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, but I freeze it before broiling the cheese. I prepare the beef mixture and layer the tater tots, then wrap the skillet tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, I thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat, then add cheese and broil to finish.

Can I make it spicy?

Definitely. I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture, or top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a warm, cheesy, nostalgic meal that always hits the spot. With crispy tater tots, flavorful beef, and melty cheddar, it’s comfort food that’s both fun and filling. Whether I’m serving it for a casual family dinner or a weekend treat, it always earns a spot in my regular recipe rotation.