Description
This tater tot sloppy joe skillet is the ultimate comfort food—savory beef, crispy tots, and melted cheddar in one hearty, oven-finished dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day.
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
Instructions
Prepare the Tater Tots:
Bake the frozen tater tots in a preheated oven according to package directions until golden and crisp. Set aside.
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 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and cooked through.
Season the Mixture:
Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Incorporate the Sauces:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Add Tater Tots:
Arrange the baked tater tots evenly over the sloppy joe mixture in the skillet.
Top with Cheese and Broil:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the tater tots. Place skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
Make it a full meal by serving with a green salad or steamed veggies.
Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used instead of beef.
You can add bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef for extra veggies.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (including baking tots and skillet time)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet + Broil
- Cuisine: American
