Tater Tot Sloppy Skillet: A Cheesy, Comforting One-Pan Meal

Craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy tater tots with cheesy, savory sloppy joe goodness? This Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, blending juicy ground beef, tangy sauce, and golden tater tots in one incredible skillet. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day feasts, or family gatherings, this recipe from TastyRecipeHub.com is a standout in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s dive into this cheesy, beefy magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a must-try for comfort food lovers, offering:

• Cheesy and Crispy: Golden tater tots atop a rich, cheesy beef filling.
• One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
• Quick and Hearty: Ready in under 45 minutes for a satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults who love bold, familiar flavors.
• Shareable: Perfect for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to showcase your skillet masterpiece.

This dish is a fun, comforting addition to your recipe collection, just like the bold recipes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 and is prepared in a large oven-safe skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Pickle slices or jalapeños (for a tangy or spicy kick)
• Sour cream (for serving)

Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet (12-inch, cast iron or stainless steel)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven mitts
• Serving spoon
• Optional: aluminum foil (for easier cleanup)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a cheesy, crispy skillet meal that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Ensure your skillet is oven-safe; if not, plan to transfer to a baking dish before adding tater tots.

Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling

1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for leaner beef) over medium heat.
2. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.
3. Drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling from being greasy.
4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add 15 oz tomato sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Add the Tater Tots

1. Arrange 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots in an even layer over the sloppy joe filling, covering the entire surface.
2. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish before adding tater tots.

Step 4: Bake and Add Cheese

1. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
2. Remove the skillet, sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (if using) evenly over the tater tots.
3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, pickle slices, or jalapeños if desired.
3. Serve hot directly from the skillet with sour cream on the side or your favorite accompaniments.

Serving Suggestions

• Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
• Game Day Feast: Serve with nachos or wings for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Family Meal: Offer with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner.
• Casual Gathering: Scoop into bowls for easy sharing at potlucks or parties.

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If this Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet has you craving more bold American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Olive Garden-Inspired Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo, Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole, and Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Biscuit Pockets, all designed for busy cooks who love vibrant flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and elevate your meals with more crowd-pleasing classics!

Customization Options

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different twist.
• Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra texture.
• Spicy Kick: Increase chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the filling.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezer: Freeze the sloppy joe filling (without tater tots) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat, and top with fresh tater tots before baking.
• Reheating Tip: Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep Ahead: Cook the sloppy joe filling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Assemble with tater tots and cheese just before baking.
• Partial Prep: Chop onions and measure seasonings ahead; store in the fridge for quick assembly.
• Quick Tip: Use pre-chopped onions or frozen diced onions to save time.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 500-550 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg

Why This Recipe Shines

This Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a fun, cheesy twist on a classic, combining crispy tater tots with a savory beef filling for a comforting, one-pan meal. Its bold flavors and melty cheese make it perfect for sharing on social media, just like the bold recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook for just $2.99 on Gumroad!

Tips for Success

• Drain Excess Fat: Remove grease after browning beef to avoid a greasy filling.
• Even Tater Tot Layer: Arrange tater tots tightly to cover the filling completely.
• Check Crispiness: Ensure tater tots are golden before adding cheese for the best texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling and adjust salt or spices as needed.
• Fresh Garnish: Add herbs or pickles just before serving for a vibrant finish.

Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community

Share your Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more bold American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple for just $2.99 on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest or our Facebook Broadcast Channel for daily inspiration.

Enjoy your cheesy, comforting skillet meal!