The Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is a fun twist on a classic comfort food. This dish combines the hearty flavors of Sloppy Joes with crispy potatoes, making it a filling and delicious meal for any time of the day. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a one-pan wonder that everyone will love!
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who enjoy the messy and savory nature of Sloppy Joes. Lastly, it’s versatile: you can tweak the ingredients according to your preferences. It brings together the best of a classic dish with a twist that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 5 small or medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons BBQ Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika (to season potatoes; to taste)
Directions:
- Start by tossing the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. Shake the basket a couple of times to ensure the potatoes get crispy and golden all over.
- While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells fragrant.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Mix everything together and let it simmer on low heat to meld the flavors while you finish cooking the potatoes.
- When the potatoes are crispy and golden, transfer them into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss gently to coat the potatoes with the Sloppy Joe sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the skillet.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy hot. Serve with your favorite garnishes or sides.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
You can serve Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet on its own or add some fresh toppings like chopped green onions, pickles, or even a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a side salad, some garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
How to Store Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
- Make sure to cut the potatoes into even-sized cubes for uniform cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes instead.
Variation
You can switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or beans as a substitute. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cook the potatoes separately. Then, combine them just before serving to keep the potatoes crispy.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version.
How can I make it spicier?
You can add hot sauce to the beef mixture or use spicy BBQ sauce to give it an extra kick. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Ingredients
For the potatoes
- 5 small or medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed Cut into even-sized cubes for uniform cooking.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt to taste Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika (to season potatoes)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
For the Sloppy Joe mixture
- 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can experiment with different cheeses.
- 1 8 oz can Tomato Sauce
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons BBQ Sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparing the potatoes
- Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times to ensure the potatoes get crispy and golden.
Cooking the beef mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce to the skillet and mix everything together. Let it simmer on low heat.
Combining and finishing
- When the potatoes are crispy, transfer them into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss gently to coat the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the skillet.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy hot.
