Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a fun and easy meal that combines two classic favorites: Sloppy Joes and Tater Tots. This dish is perfect for family weeknight dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a cozy night in. It’s simple to prepare, uses basic ingredients, and packs a flavorful punch that both kids and adults will love. If you’re looking for a comforting meal that satisfies cravings in a unique way, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

HOW TO MAKE Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

Ingredients

450 g ground beef
900 g frozen tater tots
120 g shredded cheddar cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
30 ml olive oil
225 ml tomato sauce
60 ml ketchup
30 ml barbecue sauce
15 ml yellow mustard
15–30 ml Worcestershire sauce
15 g garlic, minced
2.5 ml salt
2.5 ml ground black pepper
5 ml onion powder
5 ml paprika

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven as directed on the tater tot package and arrange the tater tots in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake them until they are golden brown and crisp, which usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes.
While the tater tots are baking, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until it turns brown and the onions soften.
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Sauté for 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Mix everything well and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Once the tater tots are done baking, arrange them in a single layer on top of the beef mixture in the skillet.
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

HOW TO SERVE Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

Serve your Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet hot, right from the oven. It is perfect on its own, or you can add a side of pickles or a fresh salad to balance out the meal. For serving, you can scoop the mixture onto plates or serve it right from the skillet for a more relaxed dining experience. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

HOW TO STORE Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool down fully before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation. When ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven. If you use the oven, cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.

TIPS TO MAKE Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

Choose Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to make the dish healthier. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauces to your taste. If you like it spicier, add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
Cheese Variety: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella.
One-Pan Dish: This recipe is a one-pan dish, so make sure to stir it occasionally while cooking to avoid any sticking on the bottom.
Batch Cooking: You can easily double or triple the recipe if you want to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure your skillet is big enough or use two skillets.

VARIATIONS

Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the substitute is cooked through.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or diced green chilies to the beef mixture for some extra heat. You can also use spicy barbecue sauce.
Loaded Skillet: Top the dish with sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced tomatoes after broiling for a loaded treat.
Breakfast Twist: Consider adding scrambled eggs on top of the tater tots for a breakfast-inspired version of this dish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beef instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh ground beef for this recipe. Just make sure to cook it properly before adding the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for Tater Tots?

If you don’t have tater tots, you can use frozen hash browns, or even make your own by cutting up and baking potato cubes seasoned with salt and pepper.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness depends on the barbecue sauce and any additional hot sauce you add. It’s customizable, so you can adjust the heat levels to suit your taste.

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a delicious and easy meal that brings comfort food to the forefront. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy making this delightful recipe and imagine all the wonderful memories shared over a warm skillet of cheesy goodness!